Recommendation

Survivor’s Club by Michael Bornstein

Brandy T. says:
If you’re looking for a read on the Holocaust that isn’t overly intense and has a happier ending than most, pick this up. Good resource for tweens learning about this period in history.

 

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

Brandy T. says:
It’s hard making friends as a kid, not to mention putting up with your crazy family. Hale brings the struggle to life in this quirky graphic novel.

 

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Steph says:
Being different should be celebrated, but it is a hard lesson for Camilla Cream, who just wants to fit in and be cool. A wonderful book about NOT following the crowd and just being true to yourself. The illustrations are  brilliant!

 

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt

Beth says:
The author of The Day the Crayons Quit is back with another wonderful story, this time about how rock-paper-scissors came to be! I love the text, and kids will, too! Totally hilarious! Now, if only the author would write about rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock!!

Brandy T. says:
Everybody knows how to choose using rock, paper, scissors. This super cute book tells a silly story of the game’s origins!

 

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South by Adam Rubin

Beth says:
I LOVED the first two books, and was thrilled to see Mr. Fookwood and Those Darn Squirrels back for another hysterical adventure! Wonderfully humorous, this book is great fun, plus it has SQUIRRELS, which are AWESOME.

 

Little Donkey’s Wish by Udo Weigelt

Beth says:
Will Josie get what she really wants for Christmas?  Wonderful illustrations, a heartwarming message, and super-cute donkeys make this a must read at
Christmastime!  Yay donkeys!!

 

LMNO Pea-quel

Brandy F. says:
Another fun PEAS series book! I enjoyed the bold colors and illustrations. Baker took a different twist in this edition, highlighting some unusual words as well as diverse
careers. It was fun trying to find the ladybug on each page.

 

Arrival

Tiffany says:
Arrival is a very quiet sci-fi movie that demands all of your attention, and it has a heartbreakingly beautiful ending. This movie will stick with you long after the final credits roll.

Jessica says:
If you are interested in a thought-provoking Sci-fi, this is one of the best recent films to grab on to. This story challenges you to think about what you believe and what else is really out there. The actors put out an outstanding performance portraying issues of grief, the importance of communication, and the wonders of new possibilities.

Wonder Woman

Tiffany says:
Wonder Woman was a nice twist on the superhero genre. We get a strong female character who is allowed to be both vulnerable and capable.

 

Awakenings

Lindsay says:
This film will really make you think. It will make you truly appreciate the simple things you are able to do that are so very often taken for granted. Make sure to have tissues close, though—this film is a tear jerker.

The Dark Tower

Lindsay says:
Excellent movie. Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba really do make the movie memorable. You will want to watch this again and again. Plus, knowing this is a Stephen King novel makes it even better.

 

Nine Track Mind by Charlie Puth

Lindsay says:
This is one pop album I can say I really enjoyed. Puth has a voice unlike any other. You get a great variety of slow and upbeat songs, so you can find the perfect song for any mood.

 

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

Tiffany says:
Mudbound is a beautiful and brutal book about Mississippi in 1946. This novel follows six characters from two families, one white and one black, who will stick with you long after you finish reading the last page.

If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss

Susan says:
This book was a change of pace from the type of genre I usually read. It delves into what life is like in the Appalachian mountains, focusing on a young, pregnant, and physically abused housewife.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Tracy says:
An urgent, haunting exploration of the weight of history and how it echoes through today’s reality. Reminiscent of Beloved, with a powerful, thoroughly modern spin.

Susan says:
This book opens your eyes to what it’s like growing up black in a rural town in Mississippi. It’s narrated by a thirteen- year-old black boy, Jojo, and his seemingly careless, drug-addicted mother, Leonie. Another narrator is a ghost, Richie, who’s almost the same age as Jojo and has a tragic connection to Jojo’s grandfather. Fascinating!

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Cheryl says:
Full of intrigue and danger, this movie portrays the struggle to keep a zoo safe during the height of World War II. I never even considered the danger to zoo animals during bombing raids. It’s a beautiful story.

Time Without Consequence by Alexi Murdoch

Tracy says:
Chock full of dreamy, thoughtful, slightly mysterious songs, Time Without Consequence is a great album to unwind with at the end of the day—or if you want to get your day off to a serene start. It’s my go-to favorite any time I need to decompress.

 

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

Tracy says:
An angsty, delicious novel full of drama and fully imagined characters. This is a book that can easily move you from tears to laughter and back again from one page to the next.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Jessica says:
This is a good series for all dystopian society fans. It’s about a young girl who struggles with growing up in a society that has labels on how you look.