Bullitt County Public Library

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.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Tracy says:
This is a captivating tale of friendship and discovery, peppered with magic and a few hilarious battles with Micah’s cranky Aunt Gertrudis.

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.

Thomas and the Treasure and Other Stories

Lynn says:
My 2 year old loves Thomas the Train because they are always going on  a new adventure.

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss

Lynn says:
My 2 year old loves Hop on Pop because of the fun rhyming.

Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin

Tracy says:
This action-packed fire-crew adventure features lively wordplay and bold digital illustrations that practically vibrate with color and energy.

Shh! We Have A Plan by Chris Haughton

Tracy says:
I adore this comical caper of plans gone awry! The oft-repeated catchphrase will inspire giggles and perhaps start a new family saying.

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.

Push! Dig! Scoop! by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Cindy P. says:
The illustrations are SO cute. Makes counting fun. This book can also be sung to the tune of “Over in the Meadow.”

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.

Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals

Steph S. says:
An instruction guide for new parents and new arrivals. But also, a love letter from parents to their little ones. Very entertaining, Willems at his best!

A Chicken Followed Me Home by Robin Page

Steph S. says:
An enjoyable way to learn about fowl. This nonfiction picture book combines humor and facts to tell a story and inform the reader about all aspects of the chicken.

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

Steph S. says:
The Whisper is about the power of imagination and the magic of storytelling. When a little girl borrows a book without words, a whisper tells her to imagine the stories. Remarkable illustrations bring the stories to life.

Gilded Cage by Vic James

Heather says:
A fresh world, and a new twist on dystopian (with magic!). I devoured this book in a single day. Must-read for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.

Blackbirds by Chuck Wendig

Heather says:
If you can’t handle irreverent debauchery, don’t read this book. Miriam Black will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and wonder what on EARTH you just read. Magnificently bawdy!

Asylum by Jeannette De Beauvoir

Kirsten says:
An interesting look into the realms of unwanteds in a political and scientific society. . . Is there such a thing as altruism?

I Could Pee on This by Francesco Marciuliano

Kirsten says:
Absolute humor for the feline admirer. Just make sure your litter box is scooped!

Lilli De Jong by Janet Benton

Steph S. says:
Beautifully written historical fiction. Lilli is an unwed mother who chooses ostracism over giving up her baby. Benton’s research and prose hook the reader from the start, and never lets go. A fantastic read!

Don’t Call Them Ghosts by Kathleen McConnell

Kirsten says:
A heartwarming paranormal mystery that sheds light on our own neighborhood.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Steph S. says:
Tina Fey is phenomenal. This book is funny, thoughtful, and insightful. Enthralling from the first paragraph, her comedic voice will have you laughing out loud. Seriously . . . Do not read this book in public.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Steph S. says:
Full of magic, tragedy, and love (both familial and romantic), Hoffman’s lyrical prose will haunt you long after the last page is read.

Heather says:
Reality and fantasy blurs in this quirky tale of two magical sisters who are cursed to watch any man they fall in love with die. When they accidentally poison an abusive ex-lover, they find themselves in a battle to save their lives, save their family, and possibly break the curse.

Queen of the Air by Dean M. Jensen

Steph S. says:
Sometimes a true story is better than fiction. Leitzel will fly into your heart with the greatest of ease, just as she did mine. I loved this book, and it has stuck with me for years.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Debbie says:
A nonfiction selection. Part science, part day-time television, thoroughly entertaining!

The Only Child by Andrew Pyper

Debbie says:
A gothic thriller: demons, murder, and terror. Learn who inspired the stories of Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (at least in this author’s mind).

Vendetta by Lisa Harris

Cindy P. says:
This action-packed book draws you in right away. Fast-paced with very likable characters!

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Tracy says:
The pains and dramas of middle school—from flirty texts and family betrayals to questions about the purpose of life—are captured perfectly in this wonderful book about friendship, identity, betrayal, privacy, and sexism. Perfect for older tweens.