Tracy says:
Tender and gracefully told, this story of courage and individuality felt so very personal I couldn’t put it down! A triumph and a gift to anyone who feels out of place in the world.
Recommendation
The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly
Marianne says:
Two brave girls make their way on their own, with only their imaginations to comfort them. I found this book heartbreaking and beautiful.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Tracy says:
A well-written, fast-paced read with substance! This is an important book that is also enjoyable to read, featuring a great, authentic voice and wonderful character development.
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tracy says:
Allegedly is a dark, gritty thriller that fearlessly delves into the gray areas of reality. Tight, unflinching prose; a deliciously authentic voice; and a compelling plot create a chilling portrait of a teen trapped by her environment and the secrets of her past.
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
Tracy says:
Told through a series of diary entries, this is a warm and thought-provoking story set in the early 1900s. Joan’s voice is fresh and hilariously candid, sure to appeal to readers who’ve enjoyed characters like Anne Shirley, Jo March, or Jane Eyre.
Steph S. says:
Joan flees her family farm and abusive father to work as a hired girl. It is here that Joan learns her place in the world and what her future holds.
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
Tracy says:
A worthy sequel to An Ember in the Ashes. Brimming with imaginative world-building, pulse-pounding danger, heart-wrenching drama, and wonderfully complex characters, this series has already become one of my favorite YA fantasy series ever. I can’t wait for book three!
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Tracy says:
Dark, suspenseful, and unabashedly gory, this morbidly delicious Victorian tale is not for the faint of heart. It is filled with fully-fleshed, fascinating characters, from Will and the
single-minded doctor, to a mysterious monster hunter who may be as dangerous as the creatures he hunts.
The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye
Tracy says:
The Night Circus meets the Grishna trilogy meets Cinderella. This is a highly enjoyable story with strong central characters and a fascinating setting. Imagine Imperial Russia teeming with secret magical battles and forbidden romance!
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Tracy says:
Magical and gritty and completely original. I usually move from one book to the next easily, but with this book, I was compelled to pause a bit to breathe it in and absorb the experience fully.
Chris says:
From the start, this book grips you in an emotional struggle and doesn’t let go.
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Tracy says:
A profound and thoughtful portrayal of the complexities of “ordinary” life. The deceptively simple prose is both highly readable and intensely moving, pulsing with emotion and big ideas about life, death, family, friendship, love, loss, and connection.
Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older
Heather says:
Intriguing and all-consuming from the first line! The setting, the cast of characters, the fantastical world-building… This book had the perfect recipe to keep me reading late into the night.
Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
Heather says:
Funny and clever, with an adorable, quirky main character. An absolute must for fans of LGBTQ fiction.
Fire Color One by Jenny Valentine
Heather says:
Stunning wordplay and searing prose from page one. This book has a heap of tragedy, plus characters with strong wills and stubbornness, and an incredibly satisfying ending.
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham
Heather says:
A well-written page turner set between two time periods—apt as an example of how little things have changed. I couldn’t put it down.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Heather says:
A slow burn of a story that anybody can relate to as recovering awkward teenagers. Smart and angsty—my favorite from this author.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Heather says:
Darkly intense and with a quirky sense of humor, this book is Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation, written with finesse and beauty. Don’t pick this book up unless you plan to immerse yourself in it!
Ask Me by Bernard Waber
Tracy says:
Lee’s stunning colored-pencil illustrations combined with dialog from the late-great Bernard Waber create a heartfelt snapshot of the bond between a young girl and her father.
Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta
Tracy says:
Stealthily and oh-so-quietly, the ninja creeps through the house on a late-night mission. DaCosta’s spare, elegantly crafted text and Young’s expressive collage artwork bring to life a young boy’s (or girl’s) fantasy.
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Tracy says:
The Penny early reader series is at its best in this story of acquisitiveness and secret guilt. Henkes’s soft, pastel-hued illustrations of the winsome Penny are simple, but her expressions and movements perfectly capture her inner turmoil.
If You Give A Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd
Laura says:
This book is a parody of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. It’s very funny and entertaining! Great for kids today, especially those who are obsessed with technology. A wonderful read for children of all ages.
But Not the Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton
Jillian says:
Cute and quirky board book, a must read for children! One of my favorites to read to my 6 month old.
Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker
Brandy T. says:
Read the story of the real Winnie-the-Pooh and discover how his adventures began! This amazing tale is one of my favorite books.
Samson: The Piranha Who Went to Dinner by Tadgh Bentley
Brandy T. says:
Follow along as Samson attempts several ruses in order to try something new. This book is a super cute, fun read about not judging a fish by his scales.
Nighty-Night, Sleep Tight by Jennifer Berne
Brandy T. says:
I absolutely adore this book. It is a great bedtime story! It’s about animals all over the world going to sleep, so a perfect addition to your nighttime routine!
How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets? by Jane Yolen
Brandy T. says:
Yolen teaches the responsibility of how not to act and then how to act with a pet. Even if you don’t want a pet, it has dinosaurs and their names, because this book is awesome. Kids will love this book!