Recommendation

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

Tracy says:
Patchett does a fantastic job of detailing the messiness of modern families! With its quiet, familiar dramas, Commonwealth is a vivid portrait of real life, seen through the lens of a supremely skilled storyteller.

The Child by Fiona Barton

Tanya says:
I couldn’t put this one down. I started and finished it in one night. It has twists in it that you never see coming and it keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan

Tanya says:
This is an excellent read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. It follows the lives of women overseas during WWII and the changes they experienced with a war raging around them. I was hooked from the very beginning.

Conversion by Katherine Howe

Heather says:
I was already a huge fan of Howe’s adult fiction. This modernized version of the Salem Witch Trials is chock-full of her talented prose and page-turning mystery that keeps you wanting to know more. Plus, a super-natural twist!

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Steph S. says:
A beautifully written story about an underdog who dared to dream. This book will remind you of why you fell in love with reading, or make you fall in love for the first time.

Crystal says:
This was my first time reading anything by this author. The world Taylor has created is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Skillfully written characters and an intriguing story. I could not put it down.

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

Steph S. says:
What a haunting and heartbreaking story about the foster care system and the power of love. The two main characters are so well-developed and relatable, you will love them. This story will stick with you. But seriously, you will need tissues.

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Steph S. says:
When Molly’s twin sister’s girlfriend brings her best friend around, Molly thinks she has found THE ONE & a perfect solution to her problems. That is until a coworker makes her think otherwise. A lesson in love and how what we think we want isn’t always what we need.

Chris says:
Relatable, hilarious, and heart-wrenching. Every character feels real, the main character most of all.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Steph S. says:
Joseph’s one wish is to see his daughter. But, with a sketchy past and an alcoholic father who proves he’s only out for one thing, Joseph’s dream seems too far away.

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Tracy says:
Graff infuses wit and humor into a heartbreaking situation and introduces complex characters you can’t help but root for. Trent’s confusion, pain, and rage are fiercely honest and realistic.

The Tale of a No-Name Squirrel by Radhika R. Dhariwal

Steph S. says:
Squirrel is a nobody, not even worthy of a name. That is, until he accidentally imbibes some magical wine. Now he must solve a series of riddles and become a hero. With a lead character you’ll love rooting for and villains in the shape of crows, let the adventure begin!

Gorilla Dawn by Gill Lewis

Steph S. says:
Would you risk your life to save a baby gorilla? That is exactly what Imara and Bobo do. An inspirational story of courage and taking a stand, when what you have to lose is everything.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Steph S. says:
What a wonderful story of our not-too-distant future. Imagine you are the third child in a world where three children are forbidden. So you live among the hidden, lurking in the shadows. Adventure and suspense soon prevail when two shadow children discover one another.

The Mighty LaLouche by Matthew Olshan

Tracy says:
A marvelous fable about a thin, delicate mail carrier who becomes an unlikely boxing success. The text and bold, collage-style illustrations create a charming story that is both funny and inspiring.

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away by Elanna Allen

Steph S. says:
Hate bedtime? So does Mitsy, which is why she is running away! The only problem is, running away is exhausting! A wonderful bedtime read, with beautiful and entertaining illustrations.