FICTION:
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacey Sivinski – Three sister witches own and manage a tearoom in Chicago where they serve treats, teas, and tell peoples fortunes. When visited by the city’s Council of Witches, they are directed to help three other witches with uncompleted life tasks. During this assignment, the sisters find themselves drifting apart, focused on their own interests. A decision must be made, do they stay together or will they separate to live a new life? A cozy magical debut novel about sisterhood, family connection, and finding your own path in life. – Carrie’s pick
The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson – This is a heartwarming tale of resilience and a community’s unwavering love for their library. It follows a 1944 children’s librarian and her best friend as they strive to make their makeshift wartime library as normal as possible while meeting their eclectic community’s unique needs. The premise of this story is based on true events, and included in the back of the book is a recount of the real events that inspired the novel, as well as some historical photos of the time. It was a very interesting read! – Stephanie’s pick
Heidi by Mariah Marsden – This whimsical, gorgeous juvenile graphic novel is a sweet adaptation of the classic novel Heidi by Johanna Spyri. When young Heidi is sent to live to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, she embraces an adventurous life in the beloved mountains and discovers the beauty of nature. The warm folksy art style and heartwarming storytelling makes this a great read for anyone. Find it in the Youth Graphic Novel section! – Alena’s pick
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by M.J. Wassmer – This quirky story about vacationers on an island resort that suddenly loses all power because the sun exploded is somewhat reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, except with a bit of added humor. Since I read this around the time of northern Michigan’s power outage, the scenario was especially relatable. – Davonne’s pick
The Wedding People by Alison Espach – Funny, sharp but also quite tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is a modern look at the wild paths and unplanned encounters that can reroute us to exactly where we need to be. I recommend it. – Sara Shifrin’s pick
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado – This short story collection was bizarre aplenty, which is right up my alley. Machado, a well-known queer author, blends genres to shape surprising and provocative narratives that showcase the realities of women’s lives, and the violence visited upon their bodies. Each story is imaginative and eerie- featuring psychological horrors, fantasy elements, and female traumas. I went on to read some of her other work, a biography and graphic novel, and was not disappointed. – Sarah Benitez’s pick
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters – This novel unfolds after a child goes missing in the blueberry fields of Maine. One story follows Joe, the youngest son in an indigenous family from Nova Scotia who was the last to see his younger sister, Ruthie, before she disappeared. The other point of view is that of Norma, a young girl in Maine growing up with family secrets she struggles to unravel. This often heartbreaking story captures the essence of emotions—love, anger, betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness. Recommended for discussion groups. – Beth’s pick
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell – This book was being discussed on a lot of middle grade book lists so, of course, I had to give it a read, and I’m so glad I did! Impossible Creatures is a magical children’s fantasy set in the hidden Archipelagos, where classic mythological creatures roam. But the magic within the realm is fading and the animals are facing endangerment. So, Christopher from our world, and Mal from the Archipelagos must work together and journey to save this land. This book has solid and timeless fantasy tropes that I never grow tired of and a writing style that reminds me of old-school fantasy novels like Narnia. Light, breezy, and refreshing, this book was a great palate cleanser and I can imagine how much children would love this read. – Olivia’s pick
Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft – Catch a flight upon a dandelion’s breath and enter the magical world of Disney’s Pixie Hollow in this adapted y/a romance. Fans of the Tinker Bell movies will be reunited with familiar faces while solving the dark mysteries behind the Winter Woods, the exiled faeries and nightmares behind its borders. Experience the wholesome heartbreak that set the stage for Disney’s ‘Secret of the Wings. – Julia’s Pick
NONFICTION:
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston – An incredibly inspiring, non-fiction story about three different groups of people who started climbing the giant redwoods in California. What began as a challenge to climb and measure the tallest tree in the world, became a scientific adventure. The protagonists of the story had such a wildly different approach to the study of these redwood trees, but ultimately joined forces and were able to expand their knowledge, and the scientific community’s knowledge, of the trees. Informative, but fast paced and character focused enough to keep you involved in the story. – Alyssa’s pick
Riverman: An American Odyssey by Ben McGrath – With a wonderful family, job, and home, my dreams of adventurous wandering are typically achieved either in miniature or through a book. “Riverman” tells the story of Dick Conant, an intelligent misfit who connected deeply with strangers as he dedicated himself to wandering the waterways of our country via canoe, on a shoestring budget. His story, which is both engrossing and superbly told, perfectly scratches the adventure itch. – Ryan’s pick
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad – Award-winning novelist and journalist, Omar El Akkad, delivers a powerful non-fiction debut. As an immigrant who came to the West, El Akkad believed that it promised freedom, a place of justice for all. But in the past twenty years, reporting on the War on Terror, Ferguson, climate change, Black Lives Matter protests, and more, and watching the unmitigated slaughter in Gaza, El Akkad has come to a different conclusion. A gut-wrenching account of what it means to live in the heart of an Empire which doesn’t consider you fully human. – Sarah Benitez’s pick
Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones – Two quotes from D.A. Powell’s introduction can help prepare you for the weight and beauty to come in this poetry collection: “The humor does not mitigate the truth, it magnifies it” and “This is a heavy book because it carries so much hope and possibility.” An emotionally well rounded collection examining individual experiences, specifically the death of his mother, and the profound influence of being a minority in modern America. – Molly’s pick
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