The turnout : a novel
by Megan E. Abbott

ADULT FICTION. When a suspicious accident occurs at their family-run ballet studio just at the onset of the annual performance of The Nutcracker, sisters Dara and Marie Durant find their delicate balance threatened by an interloper.

Reference Librarian Tricia says, "Mesmerizing characters and a jaw-dropping twist ending."

A little devil in America : notes in praise of black performance
by Hanif Abdurraqib

ADULT NONFICTION. A poet, essayist and cultural critic presents a profound and lasting reflection on how black performance is inextricably woven into the fabric of American culture.

Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "Abdurraqib is a gifted poet, which makes even his prose incredibly lyrical. Reading this made me think in new ways about all kinds of art and history."

Amari and the night brothers
by B. B. Alston

TWEEN FICTION. Thirteen-year-old Amari, a poor Black girl from the projects, gets an invitation from her missing brother to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and join in the fight against an evil magician.

Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "This fun sci-fi fantasy adventure is the perfect new book for fans of the Harry Potter series. Recommended for tweens up through adults."

The one and only Bob
by Katherine Applegate

MIDDLE GRADE. A sequel to the Newbery Medal-winning The One and Only Ivan finds Bob, helped by friends Ivan and Ruby, searching for his lost sister on a journey that is dangerously complicated by an approaching hurricane.

Loved by Head of Children's Services Beth!

B is for baby
by Atinuke

PICTURE BOOK. A baby and her brother take a basket full of bananas to visit their baba, and the baby sees many different animals along the way, including butterflies, birds, and baboons.

Children's Librarian Amy says, "What a cute book all about the letter B! Set in West Africa, a baby explores the world. Butterflies, baobab trees, bumpy roads and birds are all part of this beautifully illustrated book."

The cot in the living room
by Hilda Eunice Burgos

PICTURE BOOK. A young Dominican American girl in New York City moves from jealousy to empathy as her parents babysit children whose families work the overnight shift in this honest and warm picture book debut.

Children's Librarian Amy says, "A family opens up their living room to neighbors and friends who need a place to stay overnight. But the child in the family is jealous of the sleeping arrangements!" 

The girl with the louding voice : a novel
by Abi Daré

ADULT NONFICTION. Adunni, longing find her “louding voice” and speak up for herself, never loses sight of her goal of escaping a life of poverty so that she can build the future she chooses for herself – and help others girls like her to do the same. 

Assistant Director Clare says, "The story of a 14-year-old Nigerian girl and her journey to rise above her circumstances and get an education. Her voice is unique and her story is poignant. Beautifully written with a main character you can't help but love!"

The dark archive
by Genevieve Cogman

ADULT FICTION. Narrowly escaping an assassination attempt while training her new assistant, Irene the time-traveling Librarian investigates her own history to confront an ancient foe and uncover secrets that threaten the Library’s future. 

Reference and Cataloging Librarian Stephanie says, "If you want smart, twisty, action-packed fantasy/mystery for adults, look no further than this series! This is the seventh installment, and I do recommend starting from the first (The Invisible Library), but there are very few series that I'm so excited about year after year.

The taking of Jake Livingston
by Ryan Douglass

TEEN FICTION. When a murderous ghost begins to haunt sixteen-year-old Jake Livingston, high school soon becomes a different kind of survival game.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "A timely story about being one of the few Black kids at a fancy prep school with added drama of ghosts and spooky shenanigans."

The ground breaking : an American city and its search for justice
by Scott Ellsworth

ADULT NONFICTION. Part true-crime murder mystery, part narrative history, a New York Times bestselling author, 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, — the worst single incident of racial violence in all of American history — returns to his hometown in search of answers. 

Assistant Director Clare says, "I could not put it down!"

Game on : tempting twenty-eight
by Janet Evanovich

ADULT FICTION. When Stephanie Plum is woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of footsteps in her apartment, she wishes she didn't keep her gun in the cookie jar in her kitchen. And when she finds out the intruder is fellow apprehension agent Diesel, six feet of hard muscle and bad attitude who she hasn't seen in more than two years, she still thinks the gun might come in handy. Turns out Diesel and Stephanie are on the trail of the same fugitive: Oswald Wednesday, an international computer hacker as brilliant as he is ruthless. Unsure if Diesel is her partner or her competition in this case, she'll need to watch her back every step of the way as she sets the stage to draw Wednesday out from behind his computer and into the real world.

Director Barbara says, "Stephanie Plum as the bumbling bail enforcement agent with the hilarious life is always laugh out-loud funny. A true break from the last 18 months."

Starfish
by Lisa Fipps

TWEEN/MIDDLE GRADE FICTION. A debut novel-in-verse follows the experiences of a girl who tries to change her behavior when she is bullied for her weight, before a swimming hobby, a kind therapist and an accepting new neighbor help her embrace her true self.

Head of Children's Services Beth says, "A novel about self-love and acceptance amid a world of bullying and fat-shaming."

Keeping the city going
by Brian Floca

PICTURE BOOK. The Caldecott Medal-winning creator of Locomotive presents a heartfelt thank-you to the essential workers who have kept their communities safe, running and supplied throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children's Librarian Amy says, "In homage to the essential workers of the city, Brain Floca's beautiful illustrations make this a stand-out book!"

Green Knight /

MOVIE. The Green Knight, a mysteriously powerful creature, tests the honor and courage of King Arthur's nephew, Sir Gawain.

Teen Room Aide Shannon says, "An exploration of the classic Arthurian tale with breathtaking cinematography, costumes, and production design throughout. The film also showcases a great performance from Dev Patel."

The night hawks : a Ruth Galloway mystery
by Elly Griffiths

ADULT FICTION. When a group of amateur archaeologists called the Night Hawks uncover Bronze Age artifacts and a dead body along the shore, Ruth Galloway and DCI Nelson, after another murder is discovered, probe into both cases that eventually intertwine and point to Ruth’s new lecturer, David Brown. 2

Assistant Director Kim says, "The 13th book in the series about my favorite forensic archaeologist. Highly recommended but start with the 1st book in the series, The Crossing Places."

Norman didn't do it! : (yes, he did.)
by Ryan T. Higgins

PICTURE BOOK. When a surprise pops up, best friends Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, find their lives forever changed, in this funny picture book that explores the depths and complexities of friendship.

Head of Children's Services Beth says, "A tale of friendship and inclusion by the author of the bestselling Mother Bruce series."

Pack up the moon
by Kristan Higgins

ADULT FICTION. When his wife leaves behind a series of letters – one for every month after her death, Joshua is taken on a journey through pain, anger and denial – one that will teach him that the path to happiness doesn’t follow a straight line.

Library Aide Ann says, "A great mix of "happy-sad", with humor and plenty of likeable, quirky characters."

Before we disappear
by Shaun David Hutchinson

TEEN FICTION. In this queer ahistorical fantasy set during the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle, two ambitious magician assistants—and rivals—have a near-instant connection but are forced to choose between loyalty and love.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "Stage and real magic collide with sweet characters, an interesting setting, and a romance for the ages!"

In the Heights /

MOVIE. Follows the lives, dreams, and aspirations of various people living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, New York.

Director Barbara says this was one of the only movies she made it out to the theater for and it was totally worth it!

When you trap a tiger
by Tae Keller
 

Room for everyone
by Naaz Khan

PICTURE BOOK. Set in Zanzibar, this lively rhyming picture book follows a young boy on a crowded bus as he learns, after many stops, that there is always room for everyone.

Children's Librarian Amy loved this fun, bouncy read all about inclusion! 

Billy Summers : a novel
by Stephen King

ADULT FICTION. Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He's a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he'll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong?

Systems Librarian Theo says, "This suspenseful story follows a hitman, Billy Summers, in what initially seems like a typical "one last job" story. The story pulls the rug out from under the reader several times and ends up being anything but typical. This is a very different story from Stephen King's usually novels and a nice departure from the horror genre."

Broken (in the best possible way)
by Jenny Lawson

ADULT NONFICTION. The award-winning humorist and author of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened shares candid reflections on such topics as her experimental treatment for depression, her escape from three bears and her business ideas for Shark Tank.

Reference and Cataloging Librarian Stephanie says, "I'm not sure whether to call Lawson's writing memoir or personal essay, but I am sure that she's always insightful and laugh-out-loud funny, even when addressing more serious subjects." 

 

Last Night In Soho

An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something darker.

Teen Room Aide Shannon says, "I really loved this dreamy atmospheric thriller. The soundtrack and cinematography set the tone perfectly to immerse you into the London nightlife of the 1960s as the haunting mystery unwinds."

This is the fire : what I say to my friends about racism
by Don Lemon

ADULT NONFICTION. The host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon is more popular than ever. As America's only Black prime-time anchor, Lemon and his daily monologues on racism and antiracism, on the failures of the Trump administration and of so many of our leaders, and on America's systemic flaws speak for his millions of fans. Now, in an urgent, deeply personal, riveting plea, he shows us all how deep our problems lie, and what we can do to begin to fix them.

Director Barbara says, "Thoughtful, well-written, engaging, makes you think. Possibly my favorite book of 2021!"

The fearless flights of Hazel Ying Lee
by Julie Leung

PICUTRE BOOK. Presents the life and career of Hazel Ying Lee, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military.

Children's Librarian Amy says, "Wow, what an amazing biography! Hazel Ying Lee, an American pilot of Chinese heritage, battled discrimination and misogyny to pursue her dream. Her work as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII was dangerous and daring, eventually costing her life, but is not to be forgotten."

Allergic
by Megan Wagner Lloyd

MIDDLE GRADE/TWEEN GRAPHIC NOVEL: Hoping to adopt a pet to find a sense of belonging in her busy family, Maggie is disappointed to discover she is severely allergic to anything with fur and tries to find a pet to love anyway.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "A sweet comic that's a must read for any animal lover!"

Last night at the Telegraph Club
by Malinda Lo

TEEN FICTION. When Lily realizes she has feelings for a girl in her math class, it threatens Lily's oldest friendships and even her father's citizenship status and eventually, Lily must decide if owning her truth is worth everything she has ever known.

Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "This gorgeously-written piece of historical fiction perfectly captures the thrill of young love as well as the terrors of racism and the Red Scare."

Luca /

MOVIE. On the Italian Riviera, a young.boy develops an unlikely friendship with a sea monster who is disguised as a human being.

Loved by Head of Children's Services Beth!

The chancellor : the remarkable odyssey of Angela Merkel
by Kati Marton

Part riveting political biography, part intimate human story of a complete outsider, this great morality tale paints a fascinating portrait of a woman who, surviving extraordinary challenges, transformed her own country and returned it to the global stage.

Library Assistant Carol says, "With the news of her recent retirement after 16 years as Chancellor this is a fascinating read.  It's the details of her life growing up as a Lutheran Pastor's daughter living behind the Berlin Wall to her rise as Chancellor.  The work offers insight into what made her such a strong leader whose scientific background and personal experiences living in Eastern Germany guide her political approach.  It's also a study of her relationships with the U.S. Presidents with whom she worked to solve world issues.  
Great insight up to the present day!"

Dark horses : a novel
by Susan Mihalic

ADULT FICTION. In a debut novel, a teenage girl’s struggles to reclaim her life from her abusive father.

Reference Librarian Tricia says, "Richly-detailed writing and an authentic, complex main character you will not soon forget."

Cultish : the language of fanaticism
by Amanda Montell

ADULT NONFICTION. The author of Wordslut looks at how cults use language to gain power and how it has pervaded our entire culture, from notorious cults to modern startups and Instagram feeds.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "An absolutely fascinating book for anyone who loves language and enjoys thinking about why people believe what they believe."

The summer seekers
by Sarah Morgan

ADULT FICTION. Answering an advert for a driver and companion to take an epic road trip across America, Martha meets 80-year-old Kathleen who craves adventure and together these women embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Assistant director Kim says, "There is nothing better than a feisty old woman living her best life."

TV SERIES. Three people who are fascinated with true crimes suddenly find themselves embroiled in one and so they do the natural thing - they start a podcast.

Note: This has not been released on DVD yet but you can borrow our Roku device that has Hulu on it to stream from home!

Reference Librarians Tricia and Anna both loved this series saying, "The cast is incredible and we're all on board with the 'dips are a meal' lifestyle. If you like the podcast "Serial" or true crime in general, this is for you!"

The lost apothecary
by Sarah Penner

ADULT FICTION. Secretly dispensing poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them, a London apothecary triggers unintended consequences that shape three lives across multiple centuries.

Assistant Director Kim says, "Timely story about women helping women no matter the stakes. It also made me add mudlarking on the Thames to my bucket list."

Seek you : a journey through American loneliness
by Kristen Radtke

ADULT NONFICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. When Kristen Radtke was in her twenties, she learned that, as her father was growing up, he would crawl onto his roof in rural Wisconsin and send signals out on his ham radio. Those CQ calls were his attempt to reach somebody--anybody--who would respond. In Seek You, Radtke uses this image as her jumping off point into a piercing exploration of loneliness and the ways in which we attempt to feel closer to one another. She looks at the very real current crisis of loneliness through the lenses of gender, violence, technology, and art. Ranging from the invention of the laugh-track to Instagram to Harry Harlow's experiments in which infant monkeys were given inanimate surrogate mothers, Radtke uncovers all she can about how we engage with friends, family, and strangers alike, and what happens--to us and to them--when we disengage. With her distinctive, emotionally charged drawings and unflinchingly sharp prose, Kristen Radtke masterfully reframes some of our most vulnerable and sublime moments.

Reference Librarian Justin says, "This graphic novel examines the ways in which loneliness intersects with American ideals of identity and culture."

Raya and the last dragon /

MOVIE. A warrior named Raya sets out to find the last dragon in an effort to save the world of Kumandra from monsters known as the Druun.

Loved by Head of Children's Services Beth!

The ministry for the future
by Kim Stanley Robinson

ADULT FICTION. Told entirely through fictional eye-witness accounts of living creatures both past and present, this brilliant novel is one of the most powerful and original books on climate change ever written. 

Reference Librarian Justin says, "A look at a bleak possible future and the ultimately hopeful ways in which humanity can overcome climate disaster. It’s a great blend of science fiction and speculative essays about our near future."

Succession

TV SERIES. Follows the dysfunctional Roy family in charge of a global media empire.

Systems Librarian Theo says, "Watching Logan Roy and his adult children vying for the throne at Waystar Royco, their multi-billion dollar family business, is like watching a modern day, corporate version of Game of Thrones. It's frequently funny, shocking and infuriating and somehow makes a cast of loathsome characters a blast to watch."

The magician : a novel
by Colm Tóibín

An intimate, astonishingly complex portrait of writer Thomas Mann, a man profoundly flawed and unforgettable, his magnificent and complex wife Katia, and the times in which they lived—the first world war, the rise of Hitler, World War II, the Cold War, and exile.

Library Assistant Carol says, "This is interesting because of the insight it gives regarding German history during such turbulent times and for the intimate picture of this famous family where each of the members can have such different views on how to deal with the rising tide of Nazism. It's actually a very gripping story and well researched."

The chosen and the beautiful
by Nghi Vo

ADULT FICTION. Treated as an exotic attraction by her peers, Jordan Baker, queer and Asian, has the world of illusion, magic and mystery at her fingertips but the most important doors remain closed to her until she can figure out a way to open them.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "An absolutely gorgeous retelling of The Great Gatsby with even more danger and magic than the original.  Finally, Baker gets a real arc and characterization in this mesmerizing novel!"

Watercress
by Andrea Wang

PICTURE BOOK. A little girl traveling through Ohio in an old car helps her family collect muddy, snail-covered watercress from a ditch in the wild before learning the story of her immigrant heritage and how foraging for fresh food helps her loved ones stay together.

Children's Librarian Amy says, "Powerful and layered, this picture book explores immigration, poverty and family in a beautiful, heartfelt way."

White magic : essays
by Elissa Washuta

ADULT NONFICTION. Throughout her life, Elissa Washuta has been surrounded by cheap facsimiles of Native spiritual tools and occult trends, "starter witch kits" of sage, rose quartz, and tarot cards packaged together in paper and plastic. Following a decade of abuse, addiction, PTSD, and heavy-duty drug treatment for a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, she felt drawn to the real spirits and powers her dispossessed and discarded ancestors knew, while she undertook necessary work to find love and meaning. In this collection of intertwined essays, she writes about land, heartbreak, and colonization, about life without the escape hatch of intoxication, and about how she became a powerful witch. She interlaces stories from her forebears with cultural artifacts from her own life-Twin Peaks, the Oregon Trail II video game, a Claymation Satan, a YouTube video of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham-to explore questions of cultural inheritance and the particular danger, as a Native woman, of relaxing into romantic love under colonial rule.

Teen Services Librarian Renata says, "Washuta is a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and weaves together personal history with a native perspective on pieces of popular culture like "witch starter kits" and the Oregon Trail computer games in this spectacular essay collection."

Greatest Hits - Waterparks

ALBUM. Teen Room Aide Violet loved this, "genre-bending pop-punk/hip-hop album that explores the state of art under capitalism and the band's complicated parasocial relationships with fans."

Iron widow
by Xiran Jay Zhao

TEEN FICTION. Offering herself up as a concubine-pilot to assassinate the man responsible for her sister’s death, 18-year-old Zetian discovers her true destiny as an Iron Widow and must use her strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls.

Teen Services Librarian Anna says, "If you like media with giant robots like Pacific Rim or Neon Genesis Evangelion but you also want to crush the patriarchy, this is for you!