An exciting and fascinating story of a 1950's jury in deliberation. (Perry)

An epic journey of mind and body, 2001 is one of the most scientifically accurate and beautiful science fiction films ever made. (John & Perry)

If you like Jane Austen and costume dramas, you'll love this movie about a little-known figure in history. Loosely based on the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the daughter of a British nobleman and an African slave, it tells the story of Dido's struggle to fit in with the high society of late 1700's Britain. (Kristi)

Another Ebertfest gem. Based on true events, the story follows affable everyman Bernie Tiede, town mortician, who befriends unpleasant wealthy widow Marjorie and is soon handling her finances and her social life. Nothing could go wrong here... A fantastic trio of leading actors includes Jack Black as Bernie, Shirley McLaine as Marjorie, and Matthew McConaughey as the DA. Stranger than fiction, darkly humorous and surprisingly thought-provoking. Rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language. (Mari)

A newly unemployed cellist takes a job preparing the dead for funerals. Japanese with English subtitles, winner of 2009 Best Foreign Film Oscar. I saw this movie at Ebertfest, and laughed, cried, and joined the standing ovation at the end. A beautiful film about life, death, and grief. (Mari)

This is NOT a family movie, nor is it at all 'PC', but it makes me laugh and laugh. A wickedly colorful, twisted black comedy, Drop Dead Gorgeous probes the heart of a small Minnesota town where a teen beauty pageant has unleashed a fury of very unladylike behavior. Good cast includes a very young Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Allison Janney, Ellen Barkin, and Kirstie Alley. Also has a super soundtrack. (Mari)

A film I saw at Ebertfest, and it was a stunner. It is the story of Ray Eddy, an upstate New York trailer mom who is lured into the world of illegal immigrant smuggling when she meets a Mohawk girl who lives on a reservation that straddles the U.S.-Canadian border. Fantastic performances by Melissa Leo and Misty Upham (who tragically died in 2014). Rated R for language. (Mari)

A spin-off of "The Closer" featuring most of that show's characters. Crime drama set in Los Angeles, featuring the LAPD Major Crimes unit. Wonderful cast with good chemistry, along with good writing that alternates between comedic and very serious. (Mari)

A romantic comedy adventure! (John)

This movie is fantastic if you're in the mood for silly humor. The story of Robin Hood is portrayed hysterically by Mel Brooks and is a classic comedy in my opinion. My siblings and I watched this movie when it came out in the 90's, and we STILL quote it and laugh about it continuously. (Amy)

"Still Alice" is a movie about a linguistics professor who had a rare case of early onset Alzheimer disease. It shows her progression and how drastically her life changed. The movie also depicted how her children and husband deal with her disease. Excellent acting and excellent story line. A must see. (Brenda)

Intense Casio soundtrack accompanied by wild adventure. (John)

A rarity — a 'teen' movie that is thought-provoking, and does not involve fantasy, dystopia or the supernatural. Brilliant acting by Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller as the star-crossed couple. Rated R for language, alcohol use, some sexuality. (Mari)

A wordless picture book about all the fun a dog can have with her ball.  Adorable! (kd)

This is a story about the cycle of friendship between City Dog and Country Frog. Each season, City Dog returns to the country to play city and country games with Country Frog. (pw)

Candace Fleming presents an original tale of Jack, a poor boy, who wants to impress a princess at her birthday party. Not having money to buy her a gift, he decides to bake a cake. However, as he proceeds to the party with the cake, he encounters birds, a troll, bears, and a royal guard, leaving him with nothing when he finally gets to see the princess. Just by being himself though, Jack is able to give the princess a great gift in the end. Read this story to find out just what it is! (jw)

This collection of previously unreleased poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein is a great addition to his older works. Just as much fun as his poems and drawings from A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends, readers young and old will enjoy this book through and through. (jw)

Gregor, the Overlander is written by the same author as The Hunger Games and will keep you on the edge of your seat, asking for more.  There are five books in this series and plenty of characters, battles, excitement, and romance to keep you reading. (lc)

Fourteen-year-old Ivy, an unconventional princess, joins forces with Elridge, a smaller than usual dragon who can’t breathe fire, to find her long lost fairy godmother and save both of their fates as well as the entire Kingdom of Ardendale. Tween readers will love this fractured fairytale full of action, suspense and humor. A second book, Ivy and the Meanstalk, continues their adventures. (tm)

In New York City, seventh-grader Georges adjusts to moving from a house to an apartment, his father's efforts to start a new business, his mother's extra shifts as a nurse, being picked on at school, and Safer, a boy who wants his help spying on another resident of their building. But, there's more going on than you might think - who is the liar and who is the spy? (jw)

To avoid taking a bath, Livi prolongs her trip to the tub by imagining herself on all sorts of exciting adventures as a snake, a rock star, a jungle cat and more!  Colorful, lively illustrations add to the fun. Will Livi make it into the tub before her mom counts to 10? Read this book to find out. (tm)

A perfect square that is perfectly happy is torn into pieces, punched with holes, crumpled, and otherwise changed but finds in each transformation that it can be something new, and just as happy. A great concept book for colors and days of the week. (jw)

Soon after moving to Noble's Green, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Daniel learns that his new friends have super powers that they will lose when they turn thirteen, unless he can use his own super power - his brain - to protect them. A great read for fans of superhero books. Winner of the 2012 Rebecca Caudill Award! (jw)

During World War II, eleven-year-old Felicity is sent from London to Bottlebay, Maine, to live with her grandmother, aunt, uncle, and a reclusive boy who helps her decode mysterious letters that contain the truth about her missing parents. (kd)

Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes instructions for making Origami Yoda. A fun and funny read! (jw)

This is a hilarious new mystery series from popular children’s author Doreen Cronin.  While trying to relax on the farm, retired search-and-rescue dog, J.J. Tully, is coaxed out of retirement by Moosh the hen to help find her two missing chicks. This mystery, which will keep you laughing and guessing right up to the end, would be a great read-aloud and make a great choice especially for reluctant readers. Readers will look forward to more cases for J.J. Tully to solve. (tm)

Moose, terribly eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, then awfully disappointed when his letter passes, behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him. Laugh-out-loud fun! (kd)

In his New York Times Bestseller, Hosseini beautifully weaves together an exquisite tale of love, friendship, and identity set in Afghanistan in the span of fifty turbulent years. The story follows two very different women, born a generation apart, on their own separate journey, until one fateful day alters their course and their lives unexpectedly become intertwined. (Zohra)

Gangster noir meets absurdist comedy as the forces of good square off against the forces of evil, and only an unassuming clockwork repairman and an octogenarian former superspy can save the world from a South Asian dictator intent on activating a doomsday device from the 1950s. (Steffanie)

A combo of Agatha Christie, The Shining, and Glee (before it went off the rails). Wonderful characters, an appreciation of the splendor AND over-the-top divaness of uber-talented teen musicians, plus a creepy old hotel setting featuring — dun dun DUN — Room 712, site of both a murder-suicide in 1982 and the present-day disappearance of one the the teen musicians. It is both dark/bleak and hilarious/witty. The author had to have been a band geek in her younger days, because she gets it. (Mari)

Beloved evokes the horror of slavery and the scars it has left on our national psyche better than any nonfiction history could hope to. It should be essential reading for every American with a conscience. (Jared)

This book is the 14th book in the Pendergast series. A long-buried family secret resurfaces after Pendergast finds the corpse of his most dangerous enemy laying on his doorstep. Also available in Audio. (Katrina)

Set in the bleak landscape of Iceland during the poverty-stricken early 1800s, this is the story of Agnes Magnusdottir. She's just been sentenced to death for her role in the killing of two men and sent to an isolated farm to await her execution. The family she lives with is appalled to be housing a condemned murderer, but slowly, they and the young priest chosen as her spiritual guardian discover that there's much more to Agnes' crime than what the official account claims. A haunting and atmospheric debut novel based on the true story of the last person to be executed in Iceland. (Kristi)

On a small island named for the creator of the phrase "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" letters start falling off a statue built in tribute. The town elders decide this means the letters that fall off can no longer by used. A young girl is the only voice of reason. (Jennifer)

In this apocalyptic comedy, the world is all set to end next Saturday just before dinner in accordance with the Divine Plan (as well as the prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch). While the armies of Good and Evil are amassing and everyone is trying to figure out who misplaced the Antichrist, a fussy angel and a fast-living demon who have lived on Earth since The Beginning and have become quite attached to their lifestyles do everything in their power to keep things just the way they are. (Steffanie)

"I write this sitting in the kitchen sink". One of my favorite opening lines to one of my favorite books. Teenage Cassandra writes in her diary about the adventures of her neighbors and family as they deal with "genteel poverty" and living in a falling-down castle in 1930s England. (Kristi)

Follows a couple through the terrifying -but hilarious- process of buying and renovating their first home in the Chicago suburbs. (Jennifer)

Claire Randall is celebrating the end of the war with her husband, Frank, with a holiday in Scotland. One day while left alone she visits some standing stones near where they are staying. Upon touching one of the stones she is thrown back two hundred years where she finds danger, intrigue, and passion. Available in audio and has now been made into a tv series. (Katrina)

Survivors from a series of widespread detonations across the United States end up in two vastly different scenarios. A select group of individuals invited to live in "The Dome" remain unaffected from the horrific damage the detonations caused. This society is called Pure; the dome inhabitants are forced to undergo mandatory genetic reprogramming. Those outside of the Dome become fused with nearby objects, animals. landscapes, etc depending upon how the detonations transformed them. They exist in a dystopic nightmare where individuals are taken at age 16 to either become killers or targets. "Pure," the introductory novel to this post-apocalyptic series, tells the story of two teens--one Pure, one not--who help each other escape from their current situations. (Holli)

Two women -- one American, the other Irish -- trade houses for the summer and the resulting change of scenery and large cast of characters help them remake their lives. (Jennifer)

You're probably familiar with Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby". In this lesser known work, Fitzgerald explores themes similar to those in Gatsby, such as love, loss, and the passing of time. The novel tells the story of Anthony Patch, a socialite and presumptive heir to a fortune, his relationship with his wife, Gloria, and their growing disillusionment with the Jazz Age society. (Laura)

The scariest thing about Atwood's dystopian fantasy, first published in 1985, is how prophetic it seems. Thought-provoking, discussion-worthy, and frankly terrifying as I observe today's world. (Mari)

The tragic and horrifying circumstances surrounding the death of young Susie Salmon still haunt the family and friends she left behind. Can Susie, still present in spirit, guide her loved ones to the clues they need to piece together her murder? Is it right for her to do so, or are some secrets better left undiscovered? (Laura & Amy)

From the raw material of Arthurian legend, White weaves a tapestry that is at once imbued with the hues of all of the passions of essential human experience, while also stretching to illustrate and comprehend the universe of humane morality. By turns funny, heartwarming, and achingly tragic, this novel is a modern masterpiece. (Jared)

In a dangerous, depleted, post-apocalyptic America, a father and son journey toward the east coast. McCarthy's style is unique - but don't let that stall you - the writing is reflective of the journey; the prose is enticing and breathtaking. (Tamar)

I'm not sure if I even liked this book, and I know that I hated the ending. And yet, I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. The book is beautifully written and the descriptions of Alaska, the hard work of the homesteaders, nature, snow, were exquisite. Ah, but that pesky Snow Child... I don't know what was real and what was not, and I'm not sure that it matters. I cried several times reading it, not because of any particular sad event, but just the overwhelming sense of despair that the author evoked. She is really very talented. This would be a great book group selection. (Mari)

Warm Bodies redefines the classic zombie story by humanizing the monsters and offering a glimpse into their side of the familiar dystopian nightmare. When a zombie and a human make an unlikely connection, they set something in motion that sparks a variety of questions: How much of their humanity have the zombies retained? And if any, is it possible to bring them back to life? (Laura)

A novel in the Agent Pendergast series that stands on its own, this novel has all the elements of a good detective thriller and will appeal especially to Sherlock Holmes fans. (Jeremy)

A philosophical rumination on the nature of consciousness, Blindsight is a hard sci-fi take on first contact with extraterrestrial life and how it could go wrong. Also, space-vampires. (Jeremy & Perry)

Humanity has colonized much of the solar system, but remains divided and in conflict. Two ordinary men find themselves caught in a conspiracy dangerous enough to end life as we know it. (Perry)

This is so not my typical reading fare - and apparently, this is not a "typical" post-apocalypse science fiction novel either. But I was fascinated. The story takes place after a flu epidemic that kills 90% of the world's population, and follows the Traveling Symphony, a group of musicians and actors who travel in a horse-drawn caravan performing music and Shakespeare plays "because survival is insufficient." A very well-written finalist for the 2014 National Book Award, and I found it, of all things, somewhat hopeful. (Mari)

Moon has spent his life trying to blend in among the other races that inhabit his world while hiding what he really is--a shapeshifter capable of transforming into a dragon. When he meets another shapeshifter who claims to know Moon's true heritage, Moon follows him home and finds himself drawn into the politics and infighting of a community like he never imagined. Wells' worldbuilding is so detailed and the character so real you'll forget they're not even human... (Kristi)

If you were the kind of kid who loved Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain when you were growing up, this book will definitely scratch that survival story itch. Astronaut Mark Watney is stranded alone on Mars after dust storms lead the rest of his crew to conduct an emergency evacuation. They don't know he's still alive down on the surface--and he won't be for long, if he can't put his best engineering know-how to work to figure out how to stretch his supplies and signal his crew. A film version starring Matt Damon is also available. (Kristi)

When a tourist catamaran explodes off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Kaia and her trained dolphin, Nani, rush to aid the search and rescue effort. After hours of searching, an exhausted Kaia is pulled from the water by Lieutenant Commander Jesse Matthews of the U.S. Navy. The first in the Aloha Reef Series. (Stacey)

A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter FBI agent Paul Falcon is tracking. Midwest homicide investigator Ann Silver has his attention when she passes the case to him. Is he prepared for both the case's and her secrets? A story of crime and redemption! (Stacey)

The first book in the Inspector Gamache series. Penny is a clever writer who has created interesting characters and intriguing, thought-provoking plots. Start from the beginning, and binge-read the whole series! (Laura)

First in the "Dublin Murder Squad" series, an extraordinarily well-written and interesting series. When a twelve year old girl is found murdered at an archaeological dig, Detective Ryan and Maddox are on the case. But what does this case have to do with a similar case twenty years earlier, a case that saw an adolescent Ryan as the only survivor? (Mari)

Detective Cassie Maddox goes undercover as Lexie Madison, a young murder victim who also happens to be Cassie's doppelganger. In order to solve the murder, Cassie must dig deeper into Lexie's mysterious life, and what she finds is likely to shock everyone involved. (Laura)

Micah Mortimer lives by routines. He runs his own small business, Tech Hermit, and he is one. But then he has girlfriend trouble, and a young man turns up claiming to be his son. Can things ever return to normal? Tyler's humor and compassion help us through the disruption.

This book is a very interesting read for any sports fan! This book takes a look at Brazil's history and how the sport of soccer has influenced it and how soccer has been influenced by the country. (Shelby)

If you think you don't like poetry, give this book a try. Woodson tells the story of her family and childhood in lyrical free verse that pulls you right into the scenes from her life. (Julia)

Usually in a book of essays, there are a couple that are just 'meh' or uninteresting, but I enjoyed every one of these, and went back to re-read a couple of them immediately. My favorites were "Ghost of the Hardy Boys," "Fatal Distraction" (horrifying - if I were a parent, I would have nightmares after reading it), "Fear Itself," "The Great Zucchini," and the title piece. (Mari)

Val McDermid started out as a journalist, which is obvious as this book is both well-researched and well-written. It is fascinating stuff - sometimes gruesome, but fascinating. Certainly shows how utterly ridiculous most crime shows are in their depictions. Great for mystery readers. (Mari)

An in-depth history and analysis of the Church of Scientology, its founder, and its leadership. (Perry)

Don't be scared (literally or figuratively) of this one- it's not a horror title! King gives a fascinating overview of his life and career, as well as his advice for writers. He also describes his personal creative process, which if you're a fan of writing in any form, is delightful to read about. (Laura)

I love Steve Rushin's writing (except, oddly, I did not like his fiction book The Pint Man). He is one of the many brilliant Sports Illustrated essayists/writers. Now he is back to his strength -- non-fiction writing, meticulously researched and hilariously written. Warning, if you do not like baseball, you will probably not like this, despite the excellence of the writing. Me, well, I like baseball, and I liked this! (Mari)

A wonderful title for National Poetry Month in April or any other time of the year, "the best of the best poems, selected by former Poet Laureate of the US Robert Pinsky, from 25 years of the Best American Poetry series. There's something for everyone in here! (Kathleen)

Hazleton beautifully narrates the life of one of the most misunderstood figures in Western history. Eye-opening and profoundly analytical, a must for modern members of the global community. (Zohra)

A look at how scientific and technological advances might impact the nature of mind in the future. (Jeremy)

In this interesting history of the English language, Bryson explores the fascinating eccentricities that inform the way we speak and write today. Covering fun topics like swearing and wordplay, as well as histories of where words come from, Bryson breathes life into what could otherwise be a boring topic. If you've ever wanted to learn more about the function of language, this book is a great start. (Laura)

This cookbook is filled with delicious recipes for hearty dishes. Pictures come with each stage so even beginning cooks will know what the food should look like. Easy, humorous, and fun! (Stacey)

A beautiful, touching memoir as a compilation of short stories. Humorous, brief, and touching scenes of life book ended by two life changing events for Keret. (John)

Egan follows several families through the boom years of the 1920s, when everyone was moving to the southern plains to farm, through the economic crash and years of drought that led to the Dust Bowl, one of the worst ecological disasters the United States has ever seen... (Kristi)

Mari Tucker is a wildlife biologist on the run from her abusive ex-husband. She finds refuge working in the Mojave Desert where she catalogs endangered animals on a job site and tries her best to steer clear of grouchy foreman, Jack Wyatt. (Randi)

The Atlee Pine series is about an FBI Agent whose twin sister is kidnapped when they are both little girls. Atlee Pine continues to search to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago. She goes back to her hometown and finds that digging up old ghosts can get her in all kinds of trouble. The chilling rhyme the kidnapper recites "eeny meeny miney moe...catch a tiger by the toe" to choose between Atlee and her twin, Mercy is seared in her mind. Excellent psychological thriller. Start with Long Road to Mercy and then A Minute to Midnight before diving into this one. (Brenda)

A memoir in essays that are often heartfelt and hysterical (sometimes at the same time!), Thomas explores our unpredictably shifting world. Great for fans of Samantha Irby and David Sedaris. (Jennifer)

This book won the National Book Award for good reason! It’s creative, touching, funny, and thoughtful. I’ve never read anything like it and can’t wait to read it again. (Laura)

When Noemí Taboada's cousin, Catalina, sends her a cryptic letter claiming her husband is trying to kill her, Noemí travels to her cousin's new home, a creepy mansion housing an even creepier extended family, to investigate. This was the first book I read by this author, but I'm making my way through the rest of her books. Every single one has been unique and so very good. (Randi)

Guillory's The Wedding Date series continues with the story of Olivia, who has recently moved to LA to start her own law firm. A chance meeting with a handsome stranger who happens to be a US Senator turns into a whirlwind affair that may not survive the heat of the spotlight. Guillory's novels are always fun and have great descriptions of food, so make sure snacks are nearby! (Jennifer)

Hilarity and intelligence and a way happier ending than reality gave us. (Kathleen)

Fresh new romance and the second book featuring one of the Brown sisters from Talia Hibbert. The first book about the Brown sisters, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, is another fun read. (Randi)

A great escape novel and related to Station Eleven, the perfect pandemic novel, which I also read in 2020. (Kathleen)

Reading this book felt like a warm fluffy blanket. Linus Baker, a solitary fortysomething, is given a new assignment from the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. He's meant to inspect the Marsyas Island Orphanage, run by the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, to determine the danger its residents might pose to the world. He's not supposed to fall in love with the place, the children, and maybe even Mr. Parnassus himself. (Kristi)

In France in the early 1700s, a young girl makes a pact with a mysterious entity: she will live forever, but will be forgotten by everyone she meets. After 300 years of gliding across the surface of the world, unseen and unknown by everyone, she is shocked to run across a young man who remembers her name. I love all of Schwab's books, and this one especially made me cry. (Kristi)

Beyond being a revealing read for anyone in management, a leadership role, or interested in high-performing staff, this offering provides insight into practical ways that each of us can identify bias and remain open and honest about making positive changes that free us from our own habits. Highlights for me were the passages that discussed cultivating and nurturing connections, employing mindfulness, valuing authenticity, and advocating for equity. This is a simple read, with exercises and testimonials—oftentimes deeply meaningful—that leave the reader ready to act and move forward with intention. I'm so glad I picked this book up! (John)

This is her third novel and I've enjoyed each one! Historical fantasy with interesting characters that is more possible reality than fantasy. (Christine)

How would you like to be able to relive some of your regrets?  Would it make a difference in your life now?  I would highly recommend this book because it shows us that every life contains millions of decisions and whether they are right or wrong decisions they have to be ours. (Brenda)

Likely you’ve seen this title show up on other “best of” lists, and that is because it truly is fantastic. Excellent writing and storytelling. Bennett never disappoints! (Laura)

In a year that has redefined loneliness, Murthy gives thoughtful pause to the criticality of authentic social connection and the impact it has on our lives and our sense of community. A poignant book at a critical time. (Heather)

A short future western that has adventure while being a story of queer identity. (Christine)

I love this for its humor, intelligence, fragmented writing style, and pertinence to our times, down to the changes in our weather! (Kathleen)

Yadriel comes from a long line of magic practitioners. Since coming out as trans, he's determined to make his conservative Latino family recognize him as a real brujo. In an attempt at magic gone wrong, he accidently summons the spirit of Julian, the school's resident bad boy who died under mysterious circumstances. An intensely emotional coming-of-age story, with complicated family relationships, ghosts, magic, and a little romance thrown in as well! (Kristi)

Two girls, one growing up in NYC, the other in the Dominican Republic, learn about their connection when their father is killed in a plane crash. Acevedo writes beautiful novels in verse dealing with young Afro-Latina experiences, and while I've loved all of her books, this one hits extra hard. (Kristi)

Elizabeth Acevedo is a YA force to be reckoned with right now. Her books are diverse, interesting, suspenseful, and emotional. (Morgan)

The final, long-awaited book of the Queen's Thief series! Set in a Mediterranean-influenced fantasy world, this series following the renowned thief Eugenidies is full of intricate plotting and lots of twists and turns. Start with the first book, The Thief, but if you're anything like me, you'll race through the whole series and leave wanting more. (Kristi)

In this "remix" of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, popular YA author Reynolds creates much more than an adaptation for teens of Kendi's landmark work. Stamped is an unapologetic telling of the history of racism in our nation that will educate and enlighten adults as well as teens. (Mari)

Reynolds' adaptation of Stamped From the Beginning by Kendi takes the original and does more than adapt it for teen readers, Reynolds remixes and makes the text really accessible for readers. (Jennifer)

This third entry in the series follows the characters invented by the McElroy brothers and their father in their long-running Dungeons and Dragons podcast, The Adventure Zone. This time, Taako, Magnus, and Merle must apprehend The Raven, a master thief who's taken control of a magical item that threatens the town of Goldcliffe--and maybe, the world. Pietsch's lively art perfectly matches the tone of the story, which is perfectly fleshed out from its original podcast form. (Kristi)

This is a fun Cinderella meets Knives Out story, filled with interesting characters and an engrossing mystery that will keep you on your toes the whole way through. (Julia)

On the last day of senior year, bitter rivals Rowan and Neil decide to put up with each other as they participate in Howl, a competitive scavenger hunt for the seniors that takes them all over Seattle. A fun, romantic comedy about how a relationship can change drastically in under 24 hours. (Jennifer)

Liz Lighty lives in a prom-obsessed town. So obsessed that the prom queen scholarship could make up for her financial aid that just fell through. Running for prom queen is not part of wallflower Liz's carefully orchestrated plan, but sometimes not following your plan can be totally worth it. (Jennifer)

This companion book to graphic novel and Newbery-award winning New Kid focuses on Jordan's friend Drew and his story about being one of the few kids of color in their prestigious private school as they navigate 8th grade. Just as realistic, hopeful and heartfelt as New Kid.  (Jennifer)

Shaesta Waiz was born in a refugee camp in Afghanistan and went on to become the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe. Picture book biographies continue to offer wonderful age-appropriate biographical information about some fascinating heroes. NPL has a huge selection of picture book biographies -- don't forget to request a few for your next Browser Pack! (Randi)

My Book (Not Yours), shortlisted for the Best Designed Children's/Young Adult Series Abda Award 2020, is a delightful, hilarious tale that will keep your children guessing and shouting the entire story through! (John)

Old Rock's friends think he's pretty lame for hanging out in the same spot all the time until he shares memories of his greatest adventures. (Randi)

Gum (and so much more!) is stuck in a kid's hair with hilarious results. (Randi)

One of the newest installments in the Little People, Big Dreams picture book biography series, this title is an excellent introduction to soccer star Pelé. Check out the other Little People, Big Dreams books, too. (Randi)

Snails are SO slow, but when delicious cabbage is a short distance away nothing can keep Mr. Snail off course! (Randi)

This series starter was one of my favorite reads of the year! April is a twelve-year-old orphan who has recently been moved to Winterborne House, where she's living with a group of four other children. April discovers that the long-presumed dead heir to the Winterborne fortune is, in fact, alive and she's not sure which adults she can trust, but she can work with the other kids to unravel the mystery. (Jennifer)

A young British spy is captured during World War II. Through her "confession" to her German captors, we learn of her past, her friendship with pilot Maddie, and how she ended up crashing behind enemy lines. (Kristi)

Cath is basically a professional fangirl. Also known by her screenname, Magicath, she's a Big Name in the online world of fanfiction, where for years she's been writing an epic based on the popular children's fantasy series about a young wizard called Simon Snow. Now 19 and heading off to college while dealing with an overabundance of family drama, Cath realizes her online fame and talent may not have prepared her for braving the real world. Managing to be both hilarious and moving at the same time, this is a great choice for the socially awkward young adult in all of us. (Kristi)

Graceling is the first book of a short series. This book is a great, quick read for anyone who enjoys novels about dangerous journeys, love, and magical realms. (Shelby)

I've been a passionate admirer of Miyazaki's beautiful stories and animation since I was a child. Howl's moving castle is a magical home powered by a fire demon who is mastered by the mysterious wizard, Howl. Sophie, a plain hat maker, becomes cursed by a witch, and is transformed into an old woman, who comes upon Howl's castle and lets herself in... (Tamar)

Abandoned by her mother years ago on the Jellicoe Road, Taylor is now a senior and leader of the boarders at her school for wards of the state. Leading her classmates in a clash against the townies—the regular high school students—and the cadets—the local military school—she runs into Jonah, the boy she thought she'd never see again. Meanwhile, her sort-of foster mother Hannah has disappeared, leaving behind a manuscript about five kids that seems to be connected to the mystery of Taylor's mother. This Printz Award-winning young adult novel is a lyrical tale of self-discovery, loss, and forgiveness that will draw you in immediately. (Kristi)

Not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, Simon is blackmailed into playing wingman for Martin, or his secrets--and worse, the secrets of Blue, the anonymous classmate he's been emailing--will be revealed to the whole school.The best word I can think of to describe this book is "adorable". Simon is a great character, warm and loving and silly and hilarious, and I loved being in his head. (Kristi)

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel - a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors. (Shelby)

It's a classic novel of adventure written in a world that is filled with life, thanks to Tolkien's masterful use of detail. It's also a children's book, so you don't have to worry about overly-complex themes. (Alec)

Ana and Zak, two teenagers with very little in common, come to understand each other better after they are forced to work together to find Ana's little brother after he gives them the slip and runs away to a sci-fi convention. This fast-reading young adult novel is both funny and charming and should especially appeal to geeks-at-heart. (Julia)

This novel draws you in to the carefully crafted world of The Night Circus: a mysterious and magical spectacle that appears and disappears without trace or explanation. The elusive shadow of the circus hints at a darker purpose, one that will affect the lives of not only its performers, but its patrons as well. (Laura)

This young adult novel is a spellbinding tale inspired by 1001 Nights and blends mystery, romance and a little magic. Complete with vast world-building and lush details, this book is a delight for the senses. (Julia)

Elise is used to being on the outside looking in, the butt of every joke. When a last-ditch effort to gain popularity fails spectacularly, she's ready to give it all up. Then she stumbles upon an underground music club, which brings with it new friends and a new passion: learning how to DJ. Elise is a great character, thoughtful and funny, and this novel about developing your own identity and experiencing the power of music will have you cheering by the end. (Kristi)