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Lakewood
by Megan Giddings ADULT FICTION: A stunning debut novel that delves fearlessly into the taboo subject of modern-day medical experimentation on African Americans. Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "This science-fiction-adjacent novel is compulsively readable and is all too possible. Surreal and very real at the same time." |
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Transcendent kingdom
by Yaa Gyasi A novel about faith, science, religion, and family that tells the deeply moving portrait of a family of Ghanaian immigrants ravaged by depression and addiction and grief, narrated by a fifth year candidate in neuroscience at Stanford school of medicine studying the neural circuits of reward seeking behavior in mice. Circulation Librarian Tricia says, "The complex characters will say with you long after you finish reading." |
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The Southern book club's guide to slaying vampires
by Grady Hendrix ADULT FICTION: When her hectic but predictable life is upended by a vicious attack by an elderly local, Patricia unexpectedly bonds with a well-read neighbor who her senile mother-in-law claims to have known herself when she was a girl. Reference and Cataloging Librarian Stephanie says, "The title really says it all--read it to find out what happens when a group of women encounters a vampire in the neighborhood!" |
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Take a hint, Dani Brown : a novel
by Talia Hibbert ROMANCE: A young woman who agrees to fake-date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral. Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "A swoony romance that is also laugh out loud funny. I love the Brown sisters!" |
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Magpie murders
by Anthony Horowitz ADULT FICTION: Ignoring the troubling behavior of an eccentric crime writer with whom she has worked for years, editor Susan Ryeland is dismayed when a subplot hidden in the author's latest manuscript reveals a real-world murder. Assistant Director Clare says, "An old fashioned, well plotted whodunnit. Perfect book for curling up by the fire and reading on a cold wintery day! " |
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The only good Indians : a novel
by Stephen Graham Jones Four American Indian men, who shared a disturbing event during their youth, are hunted down years later by an entity bent on revenge that forces them to revisit the culture and traditions they left behind. Circulation Librarian Tricia says, "Haunting and unforgettable." |
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In the waves : my quest to solve the mystery of a Civil War submarine
by Rachel Lance ADULT NONFICTION: An inventive woman scientist recounts the 1864 sinking of the Confederate submarine, H.L. Hunley, recounting her efforts to uncover what actually happened when the sub was discovered 131 years later with its hull and victims still intact. Reference and Cataloging Librarian Stephanie says, "This compelling account follows Lance's journey to complete her PhD thesis on the cause of the sinking of the Hunley, a Confederate submarine during the Civil War. It combines excellent writing with an interesting topic, at least if you're into explosions and research." |
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Hearts of resistance
by Soraya Lane Three women, British Hazel, French Rose, and German Sophia, risk everything and everyone they hold dear to help the Allied war effort in World War II. Children's Librarian Kim says, "At the height of World War II, three women must come together to fight for freedom, for the men they love—and for each other." |
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Becoming
by Michelle Obama An intimate and uplifting memoir by the former First Lady chronicles the experiences that have shaped her remarkable life, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago through her setbacks and achievements in the White House. Community Services Librarian Stefani says, "She was authentic and open. It was a very interesting read." |
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The Thursday murder club
by Richard Osman Meeting weekly in their retirement village’s Jigsaw Room to exchange theories about unsolved crimes, four savvy septuagenarians propose a daring but unorthodox plan to help a woman rookie cop solve her first big murder case. Library Aide Debbie says, "What was impressive was not only the steps they take to solve an actual murder, but the steps they take to protect each other." |
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The color of law : a forgotten history of how our government segregated America
by Richard Rothstein Argues that laws and policies created by local, state, and federal government deliberately promoted segregation in metropolitan areas during the twentieth century, creating long-lasting consequences. Community Services Librarian Stefani says, "I learned so much about the roots of residential segregation. The Newton Library hosted him recently and he was so interesting." |
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Feared
by Lisa Scottoline ADULT FICTION: When nemesis Nick Machiavelli targets her family with frivolous legal claims and slander that escalate to an unthinkable tragedy, Mary DiNunzio discovers her own unsettling capacity for dark retaliation. Library Aide Ann says, "Lisa Scottoline has perfected the art of creating a white-knuckle thriller with completely believable characters and splashes of humor. This latest in the Rosato and DeNunzio series does not disappoint." |
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What it's like to be a bird : from flying to nesting, eating to singing -- what birds are doing, and why
by David Sibley ADULT NONFICTION: A preeminent bird guide and bird behavior expert answers the most frequently asked questions about the birds we see most often, in this large-format volume that is perfect for nonbirders and birders alike and covers more than 200 species. Head of Reference Dean says, "It's wonderfully illustrated and gives really good, interesting facts about specific bird species (mostly very familiar ones) and about birds in general." |
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Stranger in the Shogun's city : a Japanese woman and her world
by Amy Stanley ADULT NONFICTION: This story of an unconventional Japanese woman in the early 19th century examines the cultural and political changes in the country as it stood on the brink of a momentous conflict with the West. Library Aide Arianne says, "This book gave me a look into Japanese culture in the 19th century based on the main character Tsuneno’s life journey and the sacrifices she made and did not follow traditional social conventions of woman during her time in Japan. I would highly recommend this book and it was a great read I could not put down." |
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Meet me at the museum
by Anne Youngson ADULT FICTION: A disenchanted farmer's wife and a widowed museum curator begin a correspondence over their mutual fascination with poet Seamus Heaney's "The Tollund Man" and gradually share details from their lives, forging an unexpected bond along the way. Children's Library Assistant Carol says, "Beautifully and sensitively written by a woman who wrote this, her first novel, in her mid 70s." |
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Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone At Alexandra Palace
MUSIC: Systems Librarian Theo says, "This is a fantastic compilation of work from Nick Cave’s entire career. Cave performs these songs in an empty theater, a fitting format for a 2020 music release." |
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Stray
MUSIC: Reference Librarian Jesse says, "Brooklyn band’s 5th album sounds like a sped up Nick Cave with similar, dark storytelling." |
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Have we met /
MUSIC: Reference Librarian Jesse says, "Canadian Renaissance man, Dan Bejar’s band, revisits the new wave sounds of their critically acclaimed 2011 album, “Kaputt”." |
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Birds of Prey:
DVD: When a notorious Gotham gangster puts out a hit on a young woman, Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey set out to take down the gangster. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "Forget the Joker, the real love affair of the DC Universe is between Harley and her breakfast sandwich in this sharp, funny, not-quite-superheroic action film." |
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Elatsoe
by Darcie Little Badger TEEN FICTION: Imagine an America very similar to our own. This America been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples. Elatsoe lives in this slightly stranger America. She can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family. Her beloved cousin has just been murdered, in a town that wants no prying eyes. But she is going to do more than pry. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "I loved this contemporary fantasy story of a teenager who draws on her Lipan Apache family secrets of ghost-waking to investigate her cousin's murder. Plus, she has a ghost dog for a pet and raises the ghosts of fossilized animals like trilobites in her spare time. How cool is that?!" |
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The King of Crows
by Libba Bray TEEN FICTION: In a conclusion to the best-selling series, the Diviners pursue Isaiah’s vision of a mysterious girl who could shift the balance in their struggle for peace, while an escaped Jericho reveals a harrowing plot by the malevolent King of Crows. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "I loved this whole series of supernatural historical mysteries and was thrilled that Bray ended the series on such an epic book. I highly recommend the whole series--start with The Diviners if you haven't read any of them, and know that the series stays strong throughout. |
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A Song of Wraiths & Ruin
by Roseanne A. Brown TEEN FICTION: A first entry in a planned duology inspired by West African folklore finds a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee on a collision course to destroy each other despite their growing attraction. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "Though the title might draw to mind certain other fantasy series, this book combines West African mythology with compelling characters to create a page-turning novel that will leave you begging for a sequel." |
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You should see me in a crown
by Leah Johnson TEEN FICTION: A Black, underprivileged misfit from a wealthy, prom-obsessed midwestern community carefully plans to attend a prestigious medical college before the unexpected loss of her financial aid forces her to compete for her school’s prom-queen scholarship. Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "Liz Lighty is the best! This is a great queer rom com for anyone needing something sweet and light this year." |
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The magic fish
by Le Nguyen Trung TEEN GRAPHIC NOVEL: Real life isn't a fairytale. But Tiâên still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiâên, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through? Is there a way to tell them he's gay? Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "A deeply moving mix of magic and real life and how stories help us see who we really are." |
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Parachutes
by Kelly Yang TEEN FICTION: A teen from a privileged Asian family navigates culture shock, unexpected freedom and a new relationship while attending school in California and renting a room from the family of an Ivy League hopeful whose debate coach has undermined her plans. Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "This story of two otherwise very different teens who become friends and allies is both difficult and inspiring!" |
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Hot pot night!
by Vincent Chen PICTURE BOOKS: In this version of the classic Stone Soup tale, nobody in the apartment building has enough ingredients for dinner, so a Taiwanese child suggests that they have a community hot pot night. Everybody contributes something, bringing their diverse community together for a delicious meal. Includes a recipe for hot pot. Loved by Children's Librarian Kate! |
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A hat for Mrs. Goldman : a story about knitting and love
by Michelle Edwards PICTURE BOOKS: Making pom-poms to help Mrs. Goldman, who knits hats for everyone in the community, little Sophia is challenged to overcome her own limited crafting abilities when she discovers that Mrs. Goldman does not have a hat of her own. Library Aide Arianne says, "I read this book for my multicultural youth literature course over the summer. It was such a beautiful story that teaches readers of all ages about kindness, doing good for others, and the love of knitting. I highly recommend this story to readers of all ages and it was such a delightful and heartwarming story." |
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Little Owl's bedtime
by Debi Gliori PICTURE BOOKS: Little Owl cannot sleep--his pillow is lumpy, his quilt too hot, and he hears strange noises--until Mommy Owl says that tomorrow, and his grandparents' visit, will come sooner if he sleeps. Loved by Children's Librarian Kate! |
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National Regular Average Ordinary Day
by Lisa Katzenberger PICTURE BOOKS: Tackling the boredom of an unwavering routine by celebrating holidays, Peter participates in activities to honor National Ice-Cream Sandwich Day, National Ignore Your Sister Day and other noteworthy anniversaries before he is challenged to make a holiday-free day extra special. A first picture book. Loved by Children's Librarian Amy! |
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Song for a whale
by Lynne Kelly TWEEN FICTION: Frustrated by the communication challenges of the hearing world as her school's only hearing-impaired student, a 12-year-old electronics whiz uses her tech skills to help a whale that has lost its ability to communicate. Children's Librarian Kim says, "The story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him." |
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From the desk of Zoe Washington
by Janae Marks TWEEN FICTION: Receiving an unexpected letter on her 12th birthday from the incarcerated father she has never met, a courageous young baker prepares for a cooking-show competition while scrambling to determine her father’s innocence. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "This is a great book for young bakers and/or detectives. Also, it's set in Medford, MA, so you might recognize some locations Zoe visits on the course of her investigation!" |
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Everything sad is untrue : (a true story)
by Daniel Nayeri TWEEN FICTION: At the front of a middle school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls "Daniel") stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. But Khosrou's stories are beautiful, and terrifying, from the moment his family fled Iran in the middle of the night with the secret police moments behind them, back to the refugee camps of Italy, and further back to Isfahan. Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "This novel based on the author's childhood as an Iranian refugee growing up in Oklahoma in the 80s is in turns laugh-out-loud funny and achingly sad. You'll never look at a toilet the same way again after you read this incredible book. |
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How to solve a problem : the rise (and falls) of a rock-climbing champion
by Ashima Shiraishi PICTURE BOOKS: The world-class teen climber and first female to ascend a V15 route shares a metaphorical guide to recasting life challenges as problems that can be overcome by breaking down obstacles and recognizing their teaching capacity for future achievements. Loved by Children's Librarian Amy! |