• Wellness Wonders: Mental Health Awareness Month

    Mental health is important all year round, but May is the month where we bring awareness to this important topic! Mental health is just like physical health – you need to do things to take care of your mind so that it works at its best. This will help you do all the things you want to do like coming to the library to play and read!

    To learn more about mental health, check out our Wellness Wonders: Mental Health Awareness Month Books mobile display. The display includes Board Books, Picture Books, Juvenile Non-Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, and Teen Fiction books. The mobile display will be up all month long located in the YS department near the beginning of the non-fiction shelves.

    Want to participate in mental health focused programming? Check out Little Kids, Big Feelings and Meditation Story Time or check out our Early Learning Mindfulness Kits.


       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica

     

  • Scary Journal Prompts

    Fall is in full swing! It’s time for some slightly scary vibes. Take a break from scary books or movies and take a crack at writing your own! Here are some journal prompts to spark your creativity and get you into an eerie, creepy crawly state of mind.

    There is no right or wrong way to use the prompts. Use one or all of them and write as little or as much as you’d like. All that matters is that you have fun! 

    1. As the clock struck midnight, the witch said…
    2. The black cat was very…
    3. I was carrying my hot chocolate back inside when…
    4. The house was so quiet you could only hear…
    5. My favorite October night is when…
    6. I couldn’t believe it; everywhere I looked I saw…
    7. They got a tingle down their spine when they heard…
    8. Once the potion begun to brew it looked….
    9. The crunch of fall leaves beneath my feet was not the only sound I heard…
    10. I entered the corn maze with my friends, and we decided to….
    11. Fall time reminds me of….
    12. All of a sudden there was a big, scary looking…
    13. The mysterious object started floating and…
    14. There was a creak in the steps as I climbed the staircase to…
    15. As we sat around the bonfire, we thought it would be fun to…
    16. There was a loud snap! We turned around and saw…
    17. The night was drawing near, bringing a full moon…
    18. They said there was nothing to be afraid of but…
    19. He could not remember how he had gotten here. The last thing he remembers is…
    20. She faced the monster head-on and said…

    Looking for other activities to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.


       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Jessica

     

  • Summer Reads for Teens

    Need a book to read during summer vacation? Here are some filled with summer adventures!

     Have you signed up for the Summer Reading Program yet? Do so here!


       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire 

  • Celebrate Pride Month with These Inclusive Middle Grade Books

     

    June is Pride Month, and to celebrate inclusion here are five great middle grade novels, all available at the Barrington Area Library.

    Zenobia July
    Lisa Bunker

    Zenobia just moved across the country to Maine, and everything feels different: she's making new friends, she doesn't want to stay cooped up in her room all day, and, perhaps most importantly, nobody calls her a boy.

    As she settles into her new life and community, Zenobia is shocked to discover that someone has been posting hateful memes on the school website. Using her skills as a coder and hacker, Zenobia must team up with her newfound friends and figure out who is trying to hurt her.

     

    Too Bright to See
    Kyle Lukoff

    It's the summer before middle school, and while Bug would prefer to spend it having fun with Moira, Moira has different priorities -- buying new clothes, honing her makeup skills, and talking about boys. But Bug doesn't have time to worry about Moira's changing personality: there's a ghost in Bug's house...

    Too Bright to See is a heartfelt exploration of grief, the complexities of friendship, growing older, and what it's like to grapple with one's gender identity.

     

    Martin McLean, Middle School Queen
    Alyssa Zaczek

    When you look at it objectively, Martin shouldn't have any trouble expressing himself: his mother's an artist, his uncle's in theater, he's surrounded by quirky, outspoken personalities... but Martin just can't seem to find the right way to be himself. That is, until his uncle introduces him to the world of drag.

    And thus, Lottie León is born!

    Martin loves dressing in drag, loves the confidence boost, but he can't bring himself to open up to his friends about it. What if they make fun of him? What if the magic of Lottie León goes away? And that's not even mentioning Martin's new crush, Chris. Martin's content to keep his double life a secret, until a scheduling conflict between his Mathletes club and his first-ever drag show forces him to reveal his true self to his friends.

     

    Answers in the Pages
    David Levithan

    Donovan's a huge fan of The Adventurers, a story about two boys trying to thwart an evil genius. Donovan's mom, on the other hand, isn't wild about the book, especially when she becomes convinced that the two main characters are gay.

    The whole town works itself into a frenzy as Donovan's mom tries to get the book banned from school. Caught in the middle are Donovan, who doesn't understand why the adults are making such a big deal out of the book; as well as Gideon and Roberto, two classmates who are assigned to work on a book unit together.

    Told in three interwoven stories -- Donovan's, Gideon's and Roberto's, and the plot of The Adventurers -- Answers in the Pages depicts a very real, very pressing issue in the world of literature and education.

     

    Ellen Outside the Lines
    A.J. Sass

    Ellen Katz prefers it when things fit into easy categories. When plans work out and life makes sense: attending temple with her parents every weekend, hanging out with her best (and only) friend Laurel, etc. Ellen, who is on the autism spectrum, relies on Laurel to help her navigate the turbulent waters of middle school life. But now Laurel's making new friends, her interests are changing, and she doesn't seem to have as much time for Ellen.

    The two friends plan to fix their friendship during their Spanish class's trip to Spain, but things don't work out as they planned. Ellen is assigned to a different group, and finds herself without Laurel for the first time. Included in her new group is Isa, a nonbinary student whose identity challenges Ellen's way of looking at things.

    Ellen Outside the Lines is a heartwarming, sweet, and often silly celebration of those moments where life doesn't go exactly according to plan.

     

    Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • Summertime Journal Prompts for Middle Schoolers

     

    Looking for something to do when the summer heat's got you beat? Looking to take a break from video games? Here are some journal prompts to keep the old brain stimulated while school's out!

    By the way, don't worry about word count or anything like that -- express yourself how you want, as much as you want. And there are no real rules here -- you can do as many or as few of these as you like.


    1.Describe your perfect summer day, from start to finish. It doesn't have to be a real day, just something that sounds perfect to you.

    2. Describe how you feel now that school's ending. Do you feel happy? Sad? A little bit of both?

    3. If you had the magical ability to make it one season forever, which season would you pick, and why?

    4. Write a haiku about a memory from a past summer.

    5. Who are you most excited to spend time with this summer?

    6. Are you an indoors person or an outdoors person? Or both? Why do you think that is?

    7. List three things you'd like to accomplish this summer.

    8. What's your favorite summertime treat? Ice cream? Watermelon? Something else?

    9. Do you like to stay up late during the summer? If so, what to you do? If you don't like to stay up, describe why!

    10. Take a little walk outside -- make sure it's safe first! -- and describe the world around you, focusing on your five senses. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Taste? Feel?

    11. If you could have a picnic with any person, alive or dead, who would it be, and why? What would you take with you on your picnic?

    12. Take some lyrics from five of your favorite songs and use them to write a poem.

    13. Imagine you're a tour guide for your town or community. What sights do you point out? Why are they important to the community? Why are they important to you?

    14. Write a short story about an exciting event that gets interrupted by a sudden rainstorm. How do things change? How do people react?

    15. If you could go on vacation to any fictional location, where would it be and why? What kinds of things would you need to pack?

    16. Next time you're out in nature, take a photo of something that interests or excites you -- a cocoon, an old tree, a fish, etc. Now write a story based on the picture you just took.

    17. Write an acrostic poem about your favorite ice cream flavor. If you don't eat ice cream, use candy. If you don't eat candy, use fruit or another snack!

    18. Write a review for the movie you most enjoyed watching this summer.

    19. Now write a review for the movie you least enjoyed.

    20. As summer draws to a close, reflect on the time you had. Are you sad to see summer end, to go back to school? Or are you excited? Maybe a little bit of both?

     

    Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • Get Writing with These Journal Prompts

     

    Dear Middle Grade Students,

    Are you stuck inside 'cause of COVID? Wanna write but don't know where to start? Just plain bored? Here are 31 journal-writing prompts (a whole month's worth!) to get you started.

    By the way, don't worry about word count or anything like that -- express yourself how you want, as much as you want.


     

    1. Describe two people you look up to or admire: one real, one fictional. Why do you admire them? How are they different? How are they the same?

     

    2. What's something that always makes you laugh, whether you're feeling happy or sad?

     

    3. Write about a mistake you made recently. Did you learn anything from it? What did you learn?

     

    4. If you could have any fictional creature as a pet, what would it be and why?

     

    5. Pick your least favorite character from your favorite book and write from their point of view.

     

    6. What was your least favorite thing about quarantine? What was your favorite thing?

     

    7. What's a food you could eat every day for the rest of your life? Do you think you'd get tired of it? Why or why not?

     

    8. If you could learn another language, what would it be? Why? How would you use it?

     

    9. Write a poem about your happiest memory.

     

    10. Write a poem about a sad memory.

     

    11. Do you have a favorite song? If you do, describe what you love about it, how it makes you feel.If not, why? How does music make you feel?

     

    12. If you could talk to your future self, what would you say? Would you want to learn about what happens in your life, or would you want to keep it a surprise?

     

    13. If you could talk to your past self, what would you say? Is there anything you'd suggest they do differently?

     

    14. If it's nice out, find a safe spot outside. Sit down. Close your eyes. Listen to the world around you. What do you hear?If you can't go outside, find a spot by a window. Sit down. Close your eyes. Listen to the world outside. What do you hear? How does it make you feel?

     

    15. Write about something you're proud of, even if you don't think it's a big deal.

     

    16. If you have a hobby, write about why you enjoy it and what got you into it in the first place. If you don't have a hobby, write about one that sounds fun.

     

    17. What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

     

    18. What calms you down when you're upset?

     

    19. Is there anything that worries you about the future? How do you think you'll handle it? Is there anything you can do about it now?

     

    20. Describe three things you enjoy about today, no matter how small.

     

    21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

     

    22. Imagine you have access to a time machine. Would you go to the past or the future? What do you think it would be like?

     

    23. Write your autobiography in only six words.

     

    24. What is one thing that excites you about the future?

     

    25. Close your eyes. Imagine your favorite color. Now describe it as if you were talking to someone who's never seen it before.

     

    26. What are 5 things you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?

     

    27. What do you like about the city you live in? What would you change?

     

    28. What are 3 things you will never forget? Why?

     

    29. Write a letter to someone who will never read it.

     

    30. What is something you'd change about school? Why? How do you think students would deal with the change? What about the staff?

     

    31. What is your best quality? Why? If you want to be extra ambitious, write this entry in the form of a one-page comic.

     


    And there we have it -- a whole month of journal prompts. Don't feel like you need to do them all -- just do as many as you'd like.

     

    One last thing: after you're done journaling, think about what you've written. Did you learn anything new about yourself?

     

    Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.


      Youth Services Librarian Chris 

     

  • Time Loop Books for Teens and Tweens

    Ever wondered what reliving the same day over and over again would be like? In celebration of Groundhog Day, here are some books where the characters are stuck in a time loop!

    Tired of reading the same books again and again? Fill outthis form to get some new suggestions from our librarians!

     

     


       Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire 

  • 3 Books for Fans of The One and Only Ivan

    If you lovedThe One and Only Ivanby Katherine Applegate,try one of these unique animal stories next.

     

    Audrey (Cow): An Oral Account of a Most Daring Escape, Based More or Less on a True Story

    by Dan Bar-el

    “Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells her that she is headed for the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm - and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, uses over 30 narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster.” 

    Audrey is sweet, the cast of characters is hilarious, and overall this makes a perfectly delightful read for an animal lover.

     

     

    The Simple Art of Flying

    by Cory Leonardo

    “Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He'd like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land. In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he's forced to choose between the life he's always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.” 

    I loved the attitude on this snarky parrot! The story itself is touching and surprising.

     

     

     

    Gorilla Dawn 

    by Gill Lewis

    “Deep in the heart of the Congo, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are also prisoners in the rebels' camp. When they learn that the gorilla will be sold into captivity, they swear to return it to the wild before it's too late. But the consequences of getting caught are too terrible to think about. Will the bond between the gorilla and the children give them the courage they need to escape?” 

    This chapter book is intense, gripping, and eye-opening. A moving read for young conservationists.

     

    Let us shop the shelves for you! Fill out a Browsing Bundle request, and a Librarian will bag up a small collection books or movies we think you'll love. 


    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

  • Top Circulating Titles of 2021

    Lots of great books were checked out to our community in 2021. The top checkouts tended to be titles from the Illinois Readers Choice Awards (Caudills, Bluestems, and Monarchs). We also saw some serious circulation from the always popular Mo Willems and Jeff Kinney. Here are the most frequently checked-out books from the Youth Services department in 2021:

    Picture Book:

     

    SumoKittyby David Biedrzycki

     

     

    Beginning Reader:

     

    Happy Pig Day!By Mo Willems

     

    Juvenile Chapter Book: it was a tie!

     

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdownby Jeff Kinney 

     

    Inklingby Kenneth Oppel

     

    Teen Fiction:

    Other Words for Homeby Jasmine Warga

     

    Graphic Novel:

     

    Be Preparedby Vera Brosgol

     

    Nonfiction:

     

     Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship”by Deborah Heiligman

      

    Audiobook:

     

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stoneby J. K. Rowling

     

    e-Book:

     

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep Endby Jeff Kinney

     

    Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newsletters to discover the newest and best books for kids.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

  • Wintry Books for Your Break

    Winter break is here-HURRAY! Celebrate by cuddling up with one of these excellent winter reads, a nice cup of hot cocoa, and a cozy blanket.

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • Our Favorite Books from 2021

    Here are a handful of our favorite books published in 2021 for young readers. Check out the full list for more great recommendations!

    MaryJo recommends...

    Kingston and the Magician's Lost and Found by Rucker Moses and Theo Gangi 

    Alyssa recommends...

    The Smashed Man of Dread End by J. W. Ocker

    Noe Wiley is excited to move to a new house after a sleepwalking incident that ended in her accidentally hurting her friend. But soon she’s confronted with a group of hostile girls that live on her new street and a note that says only, “Don’t go into the basement of your house at night.” Curious, she does exactly what the girls told her not to do and ventures into her basement after dark to find a flat, grinning man oozing out of a crack in the wall. Now she’ll need the girls’ help if she wants to rid her house—and the world—of this monster, but can they figure out who he is and where he comes from in time to save their families and each other? This book was so wonderfully creepy and fast-paced that I read it in a single day. You may want to read this tale of friendship and monsters with the light on. And don’t go into the basement at night!

    Allison recommends...

    Just Like That! by Gary D. Schmidt

     

    Stefanie recommends...

    Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest by Phoebe Wahl

    Travel through the four seasons with Little Witch Hazel, a little witch who is all about helping the inhabitants of her forest community. Her adventures include rescuing an orphaned egg, rafting with her friends, encountering a haunted tree stump, and tending to her many patients in the midst of a blizzard. Heartwarming and cozy, Little Witch Hazel is the perfect choice for fans of books like Frog and Toad and Mister Putter and Tabby.

     See even more of our 2021 favorites!

     

    Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletters to see the newest and best books for kids. 

  • Delicious Reads - Books for Foodies

    These books have all the ingredients to be one of your next great reads.

    Hungry for a personalized buffet of books? Try aBrowsing Bundle! 


      Youth Services Librarian Demitra 

  • 18 Books to Read for Indigenous Peoples' Day

    Many people in the United States are celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 11 this year, a holiday that celebrates and honors Indigenous peoples, and their histories and cultures. Celebrate the holiday with us by picking up one of these amazing titles!

    We also invite you to check out the South Barrington Conservancy's StoryWalk® featuring the book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac. The installment will be available October 11 through November 30.

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • Books About the Refugee Experience

    Thousands of refugees have entered America in the wake of the Afghanistan takeover by Taliban forces, with500 people likely to settle in Illinois. These big numbers and far-off places and situations are hard to understand (often, for adults as well as children!) without the empathy-building stories behind the statistics and news headlines. These books for children of all ages help bring refugee experiences - from all over the world - to light and life.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletters to learn about the latest and greatest books coming to the Barrington Area Library.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

     

  • The Top 5 Buzzworthy Books This Fall

    Autumn is such a stellar season here in the Barrington area. The days get cooler and crisper, creatively decorated scarecrows abound, and pumpkin suddenly is flavoring EVERYTHING. But the best thing about fall? The books! Here are five chapter books for kids we know you can’t wait to get your hands on.

     

    Willodeen

    by Katherine Applegate

    From the oh-so-good creative voice behind Newbery Medal winning The One and Only Ivan as well as the Endling trilogy and our 2019 Book of the Summer Wishtree comes this brand new fantasy adventure about one girl and her quest to help the most unlovable creatures in her world. Yes please!

     

       
     

     

     

    The Beatryce Prophecy

    by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 

    A story set in medieval times about Beatryce, who just may be the girl prophesied to end the rule of the king, so must hide herself in the dangerous woods, away from those in power who want her dead. With sure-to-be stellar writing from the author of Newbery winnerThe Tale of Despereauxand artwork from the creator of Caldecott winnerHello Lighthouse,everybody is going to want to see this book.

       
     

     

    Daughter of the Deep

    by Rick Riordan

    A modern reimagining of10,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Hmm, I’m not sure about that… Wait, it’s by Rick Riordan, ofPercy Jacksonfame? Sign me up! 

     

       
     

    Kaleidoscope

    by Brian Selznick

    Selznick’s books are absolutely dazzling, combining stunning pencil artwork with amazing and ambitious stories. This newest book is a collection of stories and images that touch on themes of discovery and loss. Sounds like it will be a great book for grown-ups and kids alike.

       
     

     

    Amos McGee Misses the Bus

    by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

    Ten years ago, the Stead duo won the Caldecott Medal for their oh-so-charming story ofA Sick Day for Amos McGee.Now, the beloved zookeeper and his animal friends are finally getting a sequel.

     

     

    What books are you excited to see this fall?

     

    Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newsletters to discover the newest and best books for kids.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison

  • 15 Books to Inspire Budding Environmentalists

    Whether your aspiring environmentalist is looking to make small changes in their little corner of the world, or one day hopes to write world-changing legislation, there's something here for everyone.

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     


        Youth Services Specialist Stefanie 

  • 8 Books for Endangered Species Day

    Here are 8 books for kids featuring conservation of threatened or endangered animals. Find out more about Endangered Species Day here. 

    Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newsletters to discover the newest and best books for kids.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

  • Staff Favorites of 2021 So Far

    Looking for an exciting new read? Look no further! Our staff in Youth Services have picked out their favorite books of the year so far.

     

    Looking for more recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.

     

     


        Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie 

  • Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with Great Books!

    Did you know? April is Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois. Arab Americans are people in the U.S. who have ancestors from an Arab nation, one of 22 countries throughout Northern Africa and Western Asia. Read one of these books to celebrate and learn from the perspectives of Arab or Arab American people.

     

    Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane

    Recommended for ages 3-6

    Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor tradition - a malafa for faith - that Lalla's mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla's head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray.

       

    Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi

    Recommended for ages 5-9

    Now that she is ten, Lailah is delighted that she can fast during the month of Ramadan like her family and her friends in Abu Dhabi, but finding a way to explain to her teacher and classmates in Atlanta is a challenge until she gets some good advice from the librarian, Mrs. Carman.

       
      Salma the Syrian Chefby Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron

    Recommended for ages 5-8

    All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn't know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers at the Welcome Center are happy to lend a hand--and a sprinkle of sumac. With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren't perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration.

       
     

    The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

    Recommended for ages 6-10

    In the spring of 2003, Alia Muhammad Baker was the city of Basra's real-life librarian. She was the keeper of cherished books and her library was a haven for community gatherings. But with war imminent in Basra, Iraq, what could this lone woman do to save her precious books?

    This true story of one librarian's remarkable bravery reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge knows no boundaries.

       
     

    Farah Rocks Fifth Grade by Susan Muaddi Darraj

    Recommended for ages 8-12

    Farah and her best friend, Allie Liu, are getting excited to turn in their applications to the Magnet Academy, where they both hope to attend sixth grade. But when new girl Dana Denver shows up, Farah's world is turned upside down. As Dana starts bullying Farah's little brother, Samir, Farah begins to second-guess her choice to leave him behind at Harbortown Elementary/Middle School. Determined to handle it on her own, Farah comes up with a plan--a plan that involves lying to those closest to her. Will her lies catch up with her, or can Farah find a way to defeat the bully and rock fifth grade?

       
     

    Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

    Recommended for ages 9-13

    Jude never thought she'd be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven't quite prepared her for starting school in the US--and her new label of "Middle Eastern," an identity she's never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises--there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.

       
     

    City of the Plague Godby Sarwat Chadda

    Recommended for ages 9-13

    Thirteen-year-old Iraqi American Sik wants a simple life going to school and helping at his parents' deli in the evenings. But all that is blown to smithereens when Nergal comes looking for him, thinking that Sik holds the secret to eternal life. Turns out Sik is immortal but doesn't know it, and that's about to get him and the entire city into deep, deep trouble. Sik's not in this alone. He's got Belet, the adopted daughter of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, on his side, and a former hero named Gilgamesh, who has taken up gardening in Central Park. Now all they have to do is retrieve the Flower of Immortality to save Manhattan from being wiped out by disease. To succeed, they'll have to conquer sly demons, treacherous gods, and their own darkest nightmares.

       


    Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newsletters to discover the newest and best books for kids.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison 

  • Count on These Mathematically Marvelous Books for Pi Day

    Check out one of these books that celebrate math-minded kids and might even teach your reader a new mathematical concept.

    Want more reading lists delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e-newslettersto discover the newest and best books for kids.


    Youth Services Librarian Allison