We Are Lost and Found

Explores LGBTQIA+ issues in 1980s New York with history and self-discovery. Strong friends and made families make this journey of growing up a compelling read.

Little Witch Hazel

All I want is to curl up inside Phoebe Wahl’s world of adorable creatures and nostalgic illustrations.

Wise Child

A nostalgic journey of an orphaned girl finding a witch in the woods. You will want nothing more than to step into this story and stay there forever.

The Journey of Little Charlie

This story has it all: action, adventure, an incredibly likable main character, and a whole lot to think about on big social issues that still resonate today.

Operatic

I was impressed with how this book brought me back to middle school in its story about caring for one another regardless of our differences.

Tell Me A Picture

Explore the National Art Gallery in London with a group of art lovers who have fascinating thoughts and questions about what they see and how they see it.

Sanctuary

This thrilling page-turner kept me hooked until the end as Vali tries to get her and her brother to sanctuary in a not-so-distant 2032 USA.

A Heart in a Body in the World

Why Annabelle is running across the country from her Seattle home to D.C. is slowly revealed in this multi-layered tale about friendship, healing, and hope. Be forewarned, you might start craving Dick’s Drive-In fries!

Seabird in the Forest

Marbled murrelets are elusive, rarely seen, and extremely endangered. This book describes the life cycle of one baby murrelet, from its nest in an old growth forest to the sea where it will live most of it’s adult life.

Rez Dogs

If you like realistic fiction that connects past to present and has a great dog you will enjoy this great book.

The Silver Button

So much happens in just an instant. This picture book offers a distinct sensory experience of the broad depth of a single moment of life, expanding your mind outward to include almost the whole world, in just one instant. A great thinking book with delightful illustrations.

Across the Pond

Scottish castles, “twitching” (Brit-speak for bird-watching), and learning to stand up for yourself and what’s right make this fish-out-water tale delightful.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Maybe the best fantasy book of all time, Sophie is sent on a wild adventure to undo a curse put upon her by the Witch of the Waste.

Olu and Greta

No matter how far apart you feel from the people you love, there are always opportunities for connection. Just ask Olu and Greta.

The Science of Surfing

I appreciate how easy this graphic novel made it to learn about various ocean facts.

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

With an interesting setting that feels like a character all its own, unique and alternating narrative points of view, and just the right amount of supernatural intrigue, this book leaves an impression.

The Scarecrow

A beautiful celebration of family and love in which two very different souls unexpectedly find their hearts connected. Words and illustrations work together in perfect sync and bring me to tears every time.

Snapdragon

A graphic novel about finding friends, family, and magic in unexpected places.

The Sun Egg

Exquisite drawings illumine the story of the woodland elf and the mysterious sun egg. Unexpected playful fun with breathtaking illustrations.

Where I Belong

I loved reading about Millie and seeing the world through her eyes as she balanced responsibility to her family, her passion for the sea, her growing interest in a boy. and her growing awareness of the role she could play in others lives if she was willing to be vulnerable and open to sharing her story.

The Killer’s Tears

What begins as a story of hardscrabble struggle and emotional trauma ends in love, peace, and extraordinary redemption.

The Tea Dragon Society

Greta gets to meet a tea dragon, a magical creature that produce tea leaves imbued with memories.

Ghostology

Full of inserts and extra content, I couldn’t resist exploring this fun and creative book that invites readers to dive into the bizarre world of paranormal investigation.

Big Cat, Little Cat

One day, a new baby kitten comes home. The big cat teaches the kitten all about how to be a cat. As the big cat gets older, the kitten grows into a big cat too. Get ready to shed some tears and feel some big feelings.

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza learns to transcend her emotional challenges as well as the physical challenges before her when her family must leave home to become migrant farm workers during the great depression. Esperanza is inspiring, courageous, and she feels so real. 

Whistling in the Dark

WWII themed chapter book, about rationing and the struggles to live during wartime in England. I loved the characters and the way they try to live a normal life in very abnormal circumstances.

Waiting for Goliath

A lonely bear practices patience and trust as he awaits the return of his long-lost friend. And the happy resolution is worth the wait.

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

A sweet and funny story about familial expectations, self-confidence, and learning to stand up for yourself and stand out.

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown

An irreverent biography about the fun, free-spirited author of Goodnight Moon and so many other classic picture books.

Sadie

After Sadie’s sister is found dead, Sadie is convinced she knows who the killer is. She sets off on a thrilling journey across the country to find him and seek revenge. A terrifying book!

Meet Yasmin!

Yasmin has an insane confidence and go-getter attitude that I wish to emulate even as an adult.

Salt to the Sea

Four fictional characters reveal the story of the real-life rescue attempt by the cruise ship Wilhelm Gustloff at the end of WWII. A gripping page-turner!

The Ocean Calls

I love learning about the haenyeo tradition of female divers in Korea and the main character in this story is a young girl learning how to become a haenyeo from her grandmother. The art is beautiful and the experiences Dayeon has are fascinating and exciting.

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

I loved Charlie’s story! She was smart, talented, kind, and fat. At times she was insecure, other times brave and bold. It felt real and opened my eyes to challenges of being plus sized in our world.

Jules Vs. the Ocean

You can almost smell the suntan lotion in this relatable family story about trial, failure, persistence and the power of partnership.

The Barren Grounds

Talking animals, a complicated sister/brother relationship – think Narnia but with Indigenous folklore in the best way possible.

Slay

A fast-paced mystery set in a secret, multiplayer online game. Even as a non-gamer, I was hooked!

The Turtle of Oman

A loving grandson makes a last adventure with his beloved grandfather into the desert to store up memories to take with him when he leaves for America. Sweet and poignant.

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Lyrical writing and the enchanting fable-like quality (inspired by Filipino folklore) swept me away and has stuck with me ever since.

Cozy

The detailed illustrations really bring to life the various animals in this sweet and funny story about coming together to stay warm for the winter.

Lighter Than My Shadow

Katie recounts her childhood with an eating disorder and the trauma of recovering from sexual assault. Blunt, beautiful, and life-changing.

Deep Water

Exciting adventure tale of two kids who have to survive in the Gulf of Mexico off the Alabama coast. Fast-paced read will have you turning pages to find out what happens!

I Wonder

Asking questions is a good and powerful start. How many things can YOU wonder about? Beautiful illustrations and thought-provoking images.

Some Kind of Happiness

I’m so glad this book exists. For kids grappling with anxiety and depression, Finley’s journey in learning the importance of putting herself first is an amazing chance to feel seen.

Stargazing

A story about two friends, two cultures, and one unbelievable secret that will change everything. 

Wintersong

The writing in this book is amazing! Definitely a must read if you like elaborate worldbuilding and fairy lore.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Two teens bond over the secret they share: that one is dying from a terminal illness.

The Cruel Prince

Beautiful worldbuilding about the fey world, and also an enemies to lovers romance. The Cruel Prince is the first book in the trilogy.

Challenger Deep

Caden is heading to the Marianas Trench, the deepest point on Earth. Caden is also a high schooler dealing with schizophrenia.

Mooncakes

Witches, werewolves, and a horse demon? A magical graphic novel.

Eat Your Heart Out

After being sent to spend their winter break at a fat camp in the middle of Arizona, several teens find themselves fighting the zombie apocalypse.

Gender Queer

Maia’s autobiographical graphic novel about e’s journey with gender expression and sexuality.

Deep Blue

Seraphina must band together with five other mermaids from around the globe in order to save their hidden world.

Heartstopper. Vol. 01

And adorable LGBTQ+ romance graphic novel that’s also a television show if you’re interested!

The Promised Neverland. Vol. 01, Grace Field House

The orphan’s at Grace Field House learn the truth about the world around them, and realize they must escape.

Daughter of the Pirate King

An epic swashbuckling adventure and also maybe a romance?

The First Time She Drowned

It’s been two years since Cassie’s mother left her at a mental institution against her will, and Cassie is finally allowed to leave on her 18th birthday.

I Wish You All the Best

Ben’s parents kick them out after they come out as nonbinary, and they are forced to move in with their sister they haven’t seen in years.

The Lie Tree

After Faith’s father is found dead under suspicious circumstances, she discovers a tree that feeds off of lies.

The Passing Playbook

Spencer loves soccer and he transfers to a new school, where no one knows that he’s trans. Until a new bill threatens to bench him for whole season, and he has to make the difficult choice of staying safe or standing up for what is right.

The Disappearances

During the war, two children are sent to their mother’s hometown, but something is off about the people within it. This leads to them investigating a mystery that’s been unsolved for decades, and hopefully clearing their mother’s name in the process.

All My Rage

What do you do when everything that could go wrong, does?

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World

Ivy’s sketchbook is the only places she can express her true feelings and draw pictures of girls holding hands, but she loses it in a tornado that rips through her home. Until mysteriously, the drawings start appearing in her locker with notes telling her to open up about her true identity.

The Emerald Atlas

Three siblings who have been tossed around from orphanage to orphanage end up going on a fantastical

The Mirror Season

Two teens are sexually assaulted at the same party, but only one of them remembers it. Graciela thinks she can just forget until the boy, Lock, shows up at her school.

Sisters of the Snake

A South Asian retelling of Princess and the Pauper, featuring epic magical powers.

Zip

After Lyssa’s mother passes away, she sets off on a cross-country adventure to save her childhood home.

Dry

As a Californian suburb faces a catastrophic drought, the streets spiral into warzones, and three kids must make impossible decisions in order to survive.

Last Meeting of the Gorilla Club

Josh finally has a chance at a new start when he moves across the country, to escape his imaginary friends. Only this time, someone else can see them, too.

Yolk

Two estranged sisters with nothing in common are suddenly living together after a case of stolen identity.

Nicola Traveling Around the Demons’ World. Vol. 01

If you love Miyazaki, manga series with precocious characters, and a fantasy world to delve this is one to read.

The Blue House

Home is where the heart is in this contemplative and sweet picture book – local artist Phoebe Wahl makes amazing illustrations.

Lintang and the Pirate Queen

For fans of spunky heroines who go against the grain, this sea-faring fantasy will delight with action and adventure.

Grown

Twisty, dark, and all too real, this book balances heavy topics with a character worth rooting for and a plot that will keep you glued to the page.

I Hear the Sunspot

A super sweet slice of life manga, the endearing characters and slow burn romance delight!

Don’t Touch My Hair!

This picture book balances silly whimsy with something to say – a great book to introduce kids to the idea that their body is their own.

The Library of Ever

For anyone who grew up loving books, this whimsical fantasy is a treat.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating

Fake dating done right – this book is sweet and romantic but also has something to say.

Oscar’s Tower of Flowers

This books needs no words – the pictures tell a beautiful story of family, friends, and the delight of plants.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

This book takes on a tough topic with heart and grace – it soars because of it’s loving and realistic main character that I couldn’t stop reading about.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

They like each other, but they also need to kill each other – a classic star-crossed lovers fantasy romance with twists to keep you glued to the page.

Off to See the Sea

This picture book is so imaginative and reminds me of why I loved bath time as a child – the illustrations help create a whole new world.

Raybearer

A complex, engrossing fantasy world with characters that had me rooting for them to triumph against impossible odds.

The Boring Book

My favorite picture book for the child with a hundred questions – bright, playful illustrations and hilarious text.

You Must Not Miss

A mix of realistic fiction and dark fantasy, this book is a gritty, twisty tale with an unforgettable protagonist.

Elatsoe

Whimsy, mystery, and myth collide in this arresting book – if you love a witty heroine give it a try.

I’ll Be the One

What more could I want than this witty heroine, a K-Pop competition, plus-size representation, and an engrossing romance.

Pokko and the Drum

A perfect book for kids who march to the beat of their own drum with playful text and immersive illustrations.

Soul Lanterns

A unique historical fiction translated from Japanese – if you love stories about WWII then you should try it.

All the Bad Apples

Complicated characters and a messy road trip through the Irish countryside – their stories and the knotted roots of their family history will linger with you after the final page.

Megabat

Hilarious and heartfelt – if you love books about human/animal relationships I can’t recommend this enough.

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

Bright, joyful illustrations help tell this delightful story – if you love dragons and different cultures this is for you.

The Grief Keeper

A hard-hitting realistic fiction novel with a sci-fi twist – this book looks at trauma in a deeply affecting way and has an excellent f/f romance.

Tigers, Not Daughters

A haunted house story (ish?) that is at it’s heart about sisters who love each other, but can’t quite figure out how to be with one another – lovely, creepy, engrossing.

Blue Flag Vol. 1

The only love square I’ll accept – these characters are so heart-warming and their dynamics kept me glued to the page.

Legendborn

Everything I could want out of an urban fantasy novel – a twisty plot, juicy character dynamics, and a heroine that feels so achingly real.

When Spring Comes to the DMZ

Beautiful, colorful illustrations help tell this heartfelt story about seasons, distance, and culture.

When Life Gives You Mangos

Lovely and heartfelt, this book looks at the trials and tribulations of friendship with just a touch of mystery – plus a lush island setting.

Blood Water Paint

This story based on a real-life Renaissance painter left a considerable imprint on me. Thinking back on Artemisia’s story, told in stunning verse and alternating with depictions of Biblical women full of rage, still makes me catch my breath.

Wolf by Wolf

The page-turning action and overall themes of identity that define this alternate WWII make it a knockout of a story, with characters and scenes that I still can vividly recall.

The Reader

A story where a book is literal magic and has the power to alter the entire class system in an illiterate kingdom? Yes, please!

Girls Made of Snow and Glass

This is my favorite take on the “Snow White” story, with the princess and the queen fighting to be there for each other in a kingdom trying to keep them at odds.

The Glass Sentence

The unique premise sucked me in but I stayed adventure, the relationships, and the many, many types of maps.

The Lost Girl

I adore all of Ursu’s books, but this one about two sisters having to find themselves and each other is a full-on home run.

The Land of the Cranes

I love a novel in verse, and this one hits you fast, hits you hard, and leaves you grateful for it.

Hurricane Season

Love for art and for science come together in a harmonious blend that tugs at the heartstrings and makes the pages fly.

Furthermore

Written like a love letter to your favorite childhood classics, this story is a gorgeous, atmospheric, magical piece of work that burrowed into my soul and hasn’t left since.

Pahua and the Soul Stealer

This exciting story set in the world of Hmong mythology kept me going until the very last page (also way past my bedtime).

Shadow Magic

The son of an outlaw, a giant bat, and an honest-to-goodness nice princess of darkness? Sign me up! It’s a little dark, a little creepy, and completely magical.

The Sea in Winter

Maisie’s journey to heal, in both the physical and emotional sense, had me rooting hard for the young ballerina in this beautifully emotional story. Day is also a Skagit local!

Where the Watermelons Grow

A story that goes straight to the heart about family, support, and understanding that it’s not your job to “fix” someone you care about.

Sing a Song of Seasons

Each page in this poetry collection is unique and just sings. Plus it’s fun to find your birthday poem!

The Story of Diva and Flea

The illustrations are so imprinted into my memory, I can’t help but have a warm feeling when I think about this book. A cat and a dog open up each other’s world in delightfully unexpected ways and a friendship is born.

Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero!

Have you ever wanted to wake up one day and learn you have superpowers? Living vicariously through Mia is a joy.

Dragons and Marshmallows

This series is too cute! Who wouldn’t love to help magical creatures with the help of a feline sidekick?

Not Quite Narwhal

Kelp the unicorn always makes me smile. Does he belong with the land narwhals or the sea unicorns? There’s no need to decide!

The Word Collector

It’s a thrill to delight in the sounds of certain words right along Jerome: Infinitesimal. Harmony. Orchestra. And the different ways you can put them all together? Magic.

Dreamers

This stunning illustration of the author’s own journey to the U.S. is a moving love letter to books and the power of the written word. Emotionally exhausting and inspiring all at once.

Beautiful

In a world that is constantly telling us to look a certain way, this book is like an affirming hug that celebrates the glorious beauty in everyone and everything.

Out of a Jar

This visualization of what happens when you try to shove your feelings into a box (or in this case, a jar) is so skillfully done, you can’t help but feel the relief of letting them out right along with our rabbit friend, Llewellyn.

My Heart

This gorgeous celebration of everything a heart can do causes mine to both ache and to feel hope in the most affirming way.

Nobody Likes a Goblin

A goblin who just wants to spend his days in his quiet, cozy cave? I relate to this more than I care to admit, but sometimes, you need to poke your head out and have a little adventure.

When I Draw a Panda

As someone who has trouble letting go of artistic perfectionism, I love this story of rethinking prompts and allowing your creativity to take the lead.

Maybe Tomorrow?

This story hits hard in the best way. The soft illustrations partner beautifully with a gentle and touching exploration of grief.

It’s So Difficult

I wish everyone would read this book. The story of a nonverbal child and all the words that are trapped inside him as he goes through his day. He wants to speak, but just can’t make those words come out. A heartbreakingly beautiful book.

Holding Up The Universe

I love books that challenge us to “see” the people around us and remind us that the words we speak matter. This book did that for me and I think it will do it for you too.

Me (Moth)

I loved this audiobook, read by the author, told in verse. This is a book with a surprise so big you will want to go back and re-read it after you finish it just so you can read it knowing what you find out in the end.

Poppy

This animal centered story has bullies, heroes, and enough excitement to keep the story moving. A classic read-aloud.

When We Were Lost

A plane crash in the jungle with animals, reptiles, insects and heat set the stage for this survival story. A realistic adventure that was a fast and compelling read.

You Bring the Distant Near

A story that spans three generations with a little romance and humor. I loved how connected the generations were as each character struggled to balance the responsibility they felt to their family with the desire to find their own path, it was so authentic.

With the Fire on High

Rather than a story that ends when a young women gets pregnant this story begins with that and tells the inspiring story of a young women, working with her family and friends, to follow her dreams. A very inspiring story.

The Wild Robot

This story was fast paced and filled with adventure. It makes a great read aloud, and our kids didn’t want the reading to stop.

Wedgie & Gizmo

This was such a fun read aloud. We laughed all the way through.

The Rough Patch

This one made me cry, we read it every day for weeks after we lost our beloved dog.

Split! Splat!

I love the rhyming text of this book and the joy of playing in the rain that it captures.

Rain!

I love the joy this little boy brings with his boots and raincoat that infects those around him.

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden

This book, inspired by a true story, is filled with emotions. It was so sad, but I loved it.

Grumpy Monkey

Jim Panzee is having a tough day and he is grumpy (even if he doesn’t think he is). Having a friend who hangs in there with him and helps him see that he will probably feel better soon is such a good reminder of how we can be a good friend.

This is MY Fort!

I laugh out loud at Monkey and Cake as they grapple with real life issues.

The Three Billy Goats Buenos

This picture book has been a fun addition to our bilingual storytime. It has a glossary of Spanish words used with pronunciation that helps me feel confident reading this silly version outloud.

My Two Blankets

I love this beautiful story and was so inspired by a little girl willing to see someone who didn’t fit and reach out, not letting the language barrier stop her from making a stranger feel welcome.

Rain Before Rainbows

The pictures are so beautiful and the message is one I need to be reminded of often.

Book of a Thousand Days

I loved this fairytale retelling told through a series of diary entries. It left me with quotes that I will be thinking about for a long time.

The Magical Yet

I love this rhyming book that reminds of that the world is full of things we can’t do…yet.

The World Needs More Purple People

What is a purple person, you might ask. Well, if you don’t know you should read this book because we need more of them!

What If, Pig?

Great book for opening the door to an opportunity to talk about worry. The pictures are bright and happy and the story normalizes anxiety.

Jenny Mei Is Sad

Such a lovely book that encourages us to be friends who listen and support one another even when our friends are sad.

Being Frog

The photography in this book is wonderful.

Spindle

This is the story of Sleeping Beauty, but it is set in the Industrial Age and filled with insights on what it was like to be a young woman during that time.

Ten Beautiful Things

Finding beautiful things when you feel sad and scared is so hard. I loved this Grandma and how she helped her granddaughter through a hard time by being present, but also offering some positive things to think about in the midst of something hard.

The Button Book

If you like to laugh and have fun reading an interactive book together this is a great choice!

Monster Trouble

See how Winifred solves her monster problem in this silly, rhyming story.

Sisters of the Neversea

A reimagining of Peter Pan with indigenous kids at the center of the action!

Gone to the Woods

I came away from this book in awe of the hard things this amazing author experienced in his young life and how he used them to fuel a career that provided some tremendous books for kids who loved survival stories.

Here We Are

Everything you need to know to live here, from the author to his new baby.

How to Say Hello to a Worm

Answers the title question and many others, including how to know when a strawberry is ripe, in this sweet introduction to gardening.

Sky Color

Whimsical story shows us how Marisol can paint the sky without blue paint.

Dreadnought

Superheroes and supervillains are real in this story about a transgender teen who is grappling with her new powers.

The Owl Who Asks Why

When an owl asks “why” instead of “who,” everyone learns something new.

Change Sings

Everyone is invited to join the song and build community in this beautiful picture book by inaugural poet Amanda Gorman.

The Case of Windy Lake

Four cousins from the Windy Lake First Nation solve mysteries from their secret fort in an old school bus!

Firekeeper’s Daughter

18-year-old Daunis has her feet in multiple worlds in this action-packed crime thriller set in Ojibwe country.

Your Place in the Universe

How big is the universe compared to you? This book helps you visualize it page by page.

Cemetery Boys

The brujos! The ghosts! The magic! The romance! So much fun and culture in this story about a gay trans teen.

Willodeen

Meet some animals you’ve never seen before, from the cutest (hummingbears) to the ugliest (screechers), and solve the mystery of what is happening to them.

Healer of the Water Monster

Fans of action and mythology will love this story set on the Navajo reservation.

Concrete Rose

If you loved The Hate U Give and want to know more about Maverick, this is the story for you!

The Bridge

Powerful story about suicide uniquely told 4 times, each with a different outcome.

A Kid’s Guide to Fandom

Want to learn how to get your idea off the ground? Whether you are into podcasts, webcomics, or fanfic, this book has it all, including interviews with people in the business.

Top Secret

From codes and spies to hoaxes, learn about cutting edge spy technology, classified cases, agents and double agents, lost treasures, and more!

Bright in the Night

There are so many things that glow in the dark! You are sure to discover some new ones while learning about how they get their glow on in this nonfiction book.

All Thirteen

Amazing photos and maps bring to life the true story of 13 boys stuck in a flooding cave for 18 days before they were all rescued.

Crossings

Do you love animals? This nonfiction book shows many structures built for animals to help them safely navigate the human world.

Ways to Make Sunshine

4th grader Ryan doesn’t let anything keep her from racing her big brother on bikes, experimenting in the kitchen or solving the mystery of the tin she found in her new closet.

Witches of Brooklyn Vol. 1

Why is Effie’s favorite pop star in their living room? And why are Effie’s fingertips glowing? Find out in this magical graphic novel.

The Golden Hour

Manuel uses his camera to help him deal with panic attacks in this beautiful graphic novel.

A Song Below Water

Explore a world a lot like ours (with the usual high school drama, family secrets and unrequited crushes) and add in mythological creatures that live, work and go to school with everyone else.

Beetle & the Hollowbones

Goblins, sorceresses, an evil plot, a witch duel, and a nonbinary ghost. What could go wrong? Find out in this award-winning graphic novel.

Maya and the Rising Dark

What are were-hyenas and what are they doing in Maya’s neighborhood? Root for Maya as she finds out in this fast-paced adventure.

The Floating Field

What do you do when you want to form a soccer team but your practice field is a sandbar that is only revealed twice a month with the tides?

Meditate With Me

This book is full of really helpful advice for young people to learn how to be calm, mindful, and peaceful – skills that will benefit them throughout life.

Animalia

I’ve loved this book as long as I can remember – there is always more mystery to uncover on each page and more riddles throughout to puzzle over.

Bloom Bloom!

If you love flowers and spring, you will love the photographs and excitement for nature that fill these pages.

Zonia’s Rain Forest

This story is about Zonia, her animal companions, and her desire to protect and take care of her home in the Amazon Rain Forest. This book is full of uplifting art and at the end there is insightful information about some of the indigenous communities that call the Amazon home and the challenges they face today in protecting their home.

Tuck Everlasting

This atmospheric and mysterious book is about a kind and quiet family who are keeping a big secret about the spring by their house. When the secret is discovered by others in the town, a cascade of changes and choices is forced upon everyone in the story.

Harvesting Hope

An inspiring story about Cesar Chavez’s life and his fight for farmworker’s rights – an issue that is still extremely relevant today.

A Single Shard

A captivating story about an orphan boy in medieval Korea whose enduring passion for making ceramic art lands him a challenging yet rewarding apprenticeship with a master and a daunting journey to the royal court.

A Sky-blue Bench

Aria’s willpower and perseverence despite major setbacks are inspiring for so many reasons – and sky blue is my absolute favorite color too!

Avati

It’s fascinating how many different life forms find a way to survive and thrive in the arctic – so many plants and animals both on land and in the sea.

Bo at Ballard Creek

Bo lives in Alaska with her dads and an eccentric community of kind, hardworking people. This book is heartwarming and fun, whether it’s a regular day on the homestead or a day of Alaskan adventure and troublemaking.

We Wait for the Sun

This book is sparse and mysterious yet finds a way to say so much in so little time. This book impacted me greatly!

Kids Knitting

This book taught me how to knit all by myself when I was 9 years old! And by now I can knit some pretty impressive things!

Lessons From Mother Earth

Tess and her grandmother go out harvesting in the wild and appreciate all that the earth has to offer us in this lovely and colorful picture book.

Owl Moon

A nostalgic and peaceful story about reverence for one of my favorite animals.

East

Fierce Rose embarks on a magical and mysterious journey, accompanied by an even fiercer polar bear companion, to discover how her fate can protect her family.

The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales

Once upon a time, a husband-and-wife team decorated a collection of literary fairy tales with their unmistakably mod sketches, and dozens of years later we get to read them.

At Our House

When you count all of the different elements of a single family (how many fingers? how many freckles?) you learn that the most important number is one.

Found

Look carefully at the illustrations to fully appreciate the emotional weight of this bittersweet story about a lost dog finding its home and a lost girl finding her way.

Silli’s Sheep

Silli has lots of big ideas. They’re not always good ideas, but they’re a whole bunch of fun.

The Story of Ferdinand

This timeless classic touches on what it means to be exactly who you are with humor, spirit, and deep understanding.

Toads and Diamonds

A picture book, in case you need a refresher on the actual fairy-tale! Involves two sisters, a fairy, and the fruits of kindness.

The End

Terrific fairytale mash-up picture book, great for narrative story skill development, this story starts at the end and goes backwards to the start. Funny, full of detailed illustrations, it’s a book to re-read from the back to the front as soon as you “finish”.

Where is the Green Sheep?

Such a fun read-aloud book for preschoolers! Full of contrasts with silly illustrations of happy-go-lucky sheep of every color and occupation, as you wander through the book searching for that elusive green sheep. Illustrations by famed cartoonist Judy Horacek, this is a great Australian collaboration; always a big hit.

I Will Eat You!

A fold-out picture book about the Food Chain, showing who eats who, in different environments across the globe. A fun read-aloud to entertain a group of kids interested in science and biology.

Under a Pig Tree

Fun fun fun. The story begins with a series of mistakes made by the editor with notes and frustrated asides made by the author. The author’s history of figs, with recipes containing figs, winds up looking like a book about pigs. I thought it was hysterical. Might be better for upper elementary age kids, tho’ everyone loves the pictures.

The Problem with Problems

The friendliest, most positive problem book out there. It makes even the biggest, hairiest, peskiest problem seem manageable.

The Secret Fawn

This is a real treasure–full of gorgeous art and a well-told, relatable story. You’ll feel the dew on your feet and the wonder in your heart.

How to Apologize

Such good advice! I learned a lot and chuckled too.

My Heart Fills With Happiness

My heart fills with happiness every time I read this book and I’m reminded how much I appreciate the simple, beautiful things in this world–especially when I’m with people I love.

When Aidan Became a Brother

I have a little brother like Aidan, and I wish I’d read this book when I was a kid. Aidan uses his own experience to show how to be the best, most loving and accepting big sibling.

We Became Jaguars

I love the imagery in this book. Play along with a boy and his grandmother as they jaguar on. Yes, it’s a verb.

Hornswoggled!

The animals of the forest have been hornswoggled, hoodwinked, and skunked! Can they track down the thief, or will they be bamboozled and outwitted?

If I Was the Sunshine

This lilting poem celebrates the partnership of natural things, with beautiful illustrations and comforting words.

Solitary Animals

The gorgeous and vibrant artwork in this book made it a treat to learn about animals who prefer to keep to themselves in nature.

I Talk Like a River

I dare you not to be moved by this sincere and heartwarming book about a boy’s struggles and his father’s loving support.

Rock by Rock

The extraordinary story of a man whose homesick heart inspired him to secretly, and illegally, build a garden of huge rock structures that is now one of India’s most beloved sites. Written by our Skagit County neighbor, Jennifer Bradbury.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt

This book celebrates the endless wonders than can be found in a garden – both the things we put there and expect to find as well as the wild and free life forms that might surprise us.

Tenzin’s Deer

This is a lovely story about kindness and compassion with beautiful and intricate illustrations about a young Tibetan boy who patiently heals a young deer after she gets injured.

The Lost Words

A breathtaking work of illustration and poetry, created in response to so many nature words (like acorn, kingfisher, and heather) being removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary. These poems are meant to summon those words and their meanings back into the lives of children.

Explore the Salish Sea

This book is full of amazing photos and fascinating information about the life that is so close to us yet can be so hard to see – ocean life!

Quiet Power

This book will make any introvert feel seen and valued in a culture that often overlooks and under appreciates the introvert experience.

Island

Beautiful illustrations and accessible storyline about the history of the galapagos islands and the remarkable evolutionary processes that happen there.

The Marrow Thieves

Articulate writing, symbolic concepts, and unforgettable characters make this dystopia hard to put down – then hard to stop thinking about once it’s over.

Just Mercy: Adapted for Young People

A heartbreaking but necessary book about Bryan Stevenson’s life and career dedicated to transforming our justice system and the way our culture views criminality and the death penalty.

Seedfolks

This is a lovely little chapter book about the lives of several isolated neighbors who come to know each other through a shared project of creating a community garden out of an abandoned lot next to their building. It’s heartwarming and inspiring!

Miss Rumphius

My favorite picture book and one of my favorite book characters ever – spreading seeds and a love for flowers is an excellent way to make the world a better place!

Yoshi and the Ocean

This incredibly beautiful picture book tells the true story of Yoshi, an injured sea turtle who was healed and then released back into the wild with a tracking device, telling us of her extensive journey across blue planet earth.

Where the World Ends

Based on an actual event from 1727, this tale of a group of men and boys stranded on a remote rock in the North Atlantic is austere, brutal, and suffused with hope.

Remedy

Something has to explain Cara’s mysterious illness, but the more questions she asks, the less she understands. A chilling, ripped from the headlines thriller that won’t let you put it down.

Orca Rescue!

From first sighting, to rescue, to reunion, this fascinating, true story of a young Orca is the hopeful, compulsively readable story that we have all been waiting for.

Little Thieves

Cursed by her greed and a witch’s proclamation, a princess’s maid will turn into the very jewels desires unless she can change her ways. A delightful, sharply written twist on a fairytale.

Photographic

This book honors the true life story of a famous Mexican photographer, and I love to think of how it can serve to inspire others in pursuit of the artform that calls to them.

I Was Their American Dream

This graphic memoir deals with some complex things like coming from a family of distinct cultural backgrounds, and the author’s humorous and loving attitude make it relatable and rewarding to read.

Samurai Rising

This astonishing biography about one of the most prominent warrior figures in Japanese history balances the delivery of straightforward information with incredible, page-turning thrills.

Creepy Cute Crochet

Great for beginners just learning to crochet and for those looking for inspiration in a new project. Learn to create a number of spooky/strange creatures and characters.

Girls Standing on Lawns

Take a break with this brief and quirky art collaboration from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) that features an assortment of photographs and illustrations with some poetic snippets of written word.

Art of Protest

Discover various examples of art used in social movements from the around the world in this vibrant and inspiring exploration.

Devil’s Advocate

Whether you’re familiar with “The X Files” franchise or not, fans of supernatural suspense can’t go wrong here.

The Serpent King

I was surprised by how invested I found myself in the story of these three best friends who struggle against the tides of life that seem insistent on pulling them apart.

Half a Creature From the Sea

In this imaginative collection of short stories, strange and otherworldy encounters blend with everyday experiences of growing up.

XL

When it feels like everything is changing and none of it is in your control, what can you do? Friendships and relationships are put to the test in this hilarious high school romcom.

The Hired Girl

I couldn’t help but find the main character relatable and compelling in this charming coming-of-age story about setting out on your own and finding your place in the world.

Our Castle by the Sea

The seaside setting and thoughtful tone of the main character are what sold me on this mysterious and layered story.

Onibi

A clever combination of real photographs and illustrations had me hooked in this comfy adventure full of lovely scenery.

Incredible Doom

90s nostalgia and a look at the early days of connecting with each other over the internet spoke directly to me in this YA graphic novel about found family.

If Ur Stabby

If a random, quirky, dark sense of humor sounds like your cup of tea, look no further.

Fangs

A light tone, tongue-in-cheek humor, and creative ideas blend nicely in this fun graphic novel.

Ping Pong. Vol. 1

In this unique and memorable take on the “sports/coming-of-age” genre combo, the characters you meet here will stick with you.

Build a Robot!

I admire this book’s ability to take something complicated and make it easy to explore and learn about.

Junkwraith

The eye-catching and funky art style is what grabbed my attention and kept me reading.

The Legend of Auntie Po

I came for the interesting premise and stayed for the realistic and understandable characters.

Annie Lumsden, the Girl From the Sea

Wonder and mystery abound in this peaceful, curious story about a longing to understand who you are and where you come from.

The Art of Invader Zim

A fun-to-browse art book that gives us a peak behind the scenes at what goes into creating a cartoon. Perfect for all fans of animation or aspiring cartoonists.

Vlad the Rad

This picture book was right up my alley with its mischievous tone and cast of fun and strange characters.

I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus

Fun collection of laugh-out-loud poetry for all ages!

Mary Poppins in the Kitchen

Mary Poppins is at it again – this time in the kitchen with Jane, Michael, John, Barbara, Annabel and other outrageous characters who all learn to cook. Fun recipes included – be brave! Learn to cook with Mary Poppins.

Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears

Exquisite art helps tell the charming folktale of why mosquitoes are so hated by all the animals as well as people. Fun, entertaining read!

They All Saw a Cat

Fascinating look at a cat from others’ perspectives: a flea, a dog, a bird, a mouse and many others. How they see the cat depends on whether they are prey or predator. Gorgeous artwork.

These Witches Don’t Burn

A modern-day story about Salem, Massachusetts witches and their trials and tribulations. Magic, teen angst, LGBTQIA+ make this a compelling read.

Plume

Beautifully detailed illustrations show feathers of all sorts, as seen from the perspective of…? Read this book to find out!

The Night I Followed the Dog

It’s 10:00 pm. Do you know where your dog is? begins the story of this charming book about what dogs get up to when we’re not watching. Fun, fanciful and charmingly illustrated, find out what dogs do in their spare time…

Ruby in the Sky

A moving story about life in small-town Vermont, a quiet hero, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right.

This Is Our Rainbow

A thoughtful collection of 16 stories ranging from poetry to graphic novel formats featuring LGBTQIA+ issues.

The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars

If you like magic, monsters and quests, join twelve-year-old Bo, his pet fox, and magical companions in the impossible task to bring magic back to the stars before the Shadow Witch steals it forever!

The Bookwanderers

Imagine being able to jump into the book you’re reading and live in it! Open this book and explore Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland for a fun adventure.

Dress Codes for Small Towns

Feel-good book about small towns, tight-knit friends, and growing up in the family you make. Gives comfort to a confusing time.

Blanca & Roja

Magical dark fairytale exploring sisterhood in different cultures with real-life issues. Who will survive the curse, and where will it lead them?

Shiver

Interesting story about a young werewolf saving a human girl and the romance that develops between them. A page-turner!

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Fish-out-of-water story set in the Puritan, witch-hunting colony of early Connecticut offers a look at religious intolerance, family struggles, romance and learning to fit in. A classic for good reason!

Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster

Reluctantly attending a Victorian Faire at a Canadian castle, Alice and her dad are unexpectedly entered into a reality TV cooking show where Alice discovers new friends, new strengths, and an ominous mystery!

Do You Know Where the Animals Live?

Did you know that ants and bees are related? Or that fish fart to communicate? These and many more amazing animal curiosities lurk inside this fascinating and compelling book.

Everything on a Waffle

Great characters and weird food (steak… on a WAFFLE?) make this Canadian island story a fun read.

The Little Barbarian

Pictures-only reveal the lovable barbarian inside all of us. A funny treasure!

The Genius Under The Table

Neighbors spying on each other…the only way to escape is to be talented… sounds like fiction, right? Nope. True story of growing up in the USSR has wonderful drawings and is a fascinating read.

Of Salt and Shore

A magical, creepy fairy tale with mermaids, monsters, pirates, unlikely friendships, loyalty, sadness and happiness. Similar to The Little Mermaid and The Secret Garden, it tells of longing to belong and finding your place in life.

The Book of Three

Fantasy adventure involving a rescue, magic, finding loyal friends, and discovering what makes a hero. Based on Welsh legends (like Lord of the Rings), the characters and story make this a winner!

Mouse Tales

So many fun stories about mice from the author/illustrator of Frog and Toad. The stories really get the imagination going while being sweet and accessible even for very young children.

Jabari Jumps

Such great suspense is built as Jabari waits and frets about his big jump. Can he do it?

Grains of Sand

Gorgeous, evocative pictures in black, white and yellow capture those bittersweet final days of summer where all that’s left of a drip is a few grains of sand and some imaginings about what will come next.

All Alone in the Universe

This is a story about the excruciating experience of breaking up with your best friend. Debbie’s descriptions and insights made her so loveable I wanted to be her new BFF.

Belle Prater’s Boy

I felt like I traveled back in time and to the hills of Appalachia while I read about the sweet friendship of two cousins with more than their fair share of trouble and sadness but also great senses of humor and observation.

The Next Great Paulie Fink

The uninformed narrator and the structure of a reality-TV-type competition add lots of intrigue to this story full of strong characters who know each other too well to see what’s really going on in their small town.

Lions & Liars

Laugh out loud scenarios, quirky characters, and underdog triumphs make this a fun story with plenty of suspense.

Rupert Can Dance

If you love cats, clever children, and dancing, this will really make you purr.

The Goose Egg

Such a sweet story about a misunderstanding that leads an earnest elephant to become an unexpected mother figure.

There Are No Bears in This Bakery

With a hard-boiled tabby cat detective and a bakery full of drool-worthy confections, this book will delight grown ups and children equally.

Milo’s Hat Trick

Possibly my all-time-favorite funny read aloud. Silly fun with great timing.

Orangutan Tongs

I love a tongue twister, and these are some of my all-time favorites. Silly, poetic and fun to say as quickly as possible.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates!

Lessons about delayed gratification can be tough, but funny dinosaurs and a change in perspective make this a real treat! Bon appetit!

Our Favorite Day

Simple sentences and cut paper illustrations convey a great deal of warmth and joy as a grandfather and granddaughter spend a typical Thursday together sharing their favorite food, a simple craft, and most importantly, each other’s company.

Pouch!

A fun look at a toddler and mother exploring the thrills of autonomy.

I Voted

Funny, cartoon illustrations and easily relatable examples make this a great introduction to the voting process.

Facts Vs. Opinions Vs. Robots

It’s my opinion that the purple robot is the prettiest, but it’s a fact that the orange robot has four arms. We can have a different opinion about how fun this book is, but it is a fact that I borrowed it from the library!

Alice’s Farm

Alice is the best kind of spunky and smart, young, female protagonist. She’s also an adorable rabbit with a knack for farming. I love all of the human and animal characters in this funny tale that feels like it could be set right here in Whatcom County.

I Love You, Baby Burrito

A loving ode to the new bebé in la familia. ¡muy dulce!

What Lane?

I was rooting for this smart, sensitive, witty, and relatable character as he struggled to navigate a world where other people’s expectations unfairly impacted his freedom and self expression.

The Brilliant Deep

You’ll feel like you dove straight into a glimmering underwater paradise that needs to be saved.

Anna and the Swallow Man

7 year-old Anna travels through the Polish countryside with a mysterious man who speaks multiple languages, can talk to birds, and teaches Anna through fables. A WWII story like no other you will ever read.

Wolf Hollow

Annabelle and her family confront local bullies and the trauma of war in this masterfully crafted story that will haunt you long after you read it.

Measuring Up

New to Seattle from Taiwan, Cici enters a cooking competition for a chance to win enough money to bring her grandmother for a visit. A sweet graphic novel with all the right ingredients.

What I Carry

A foster-care “lifer” Muir knows how to not get attached to things or people, that is until she meets Francine. A “feel good about the world” read.

Genuine Fraud

Enamored with her best friend’s world of privilege and glamour, Jules’s interest turns obsessive in this action-packed thriller. Meet the most unreliable narrator since the Talented Mr. Ripley. Unputdownable.

Spindle and Dagger

Living among the very warband of men who slaughtered her family, Elen survives on her wits, determination, and new alliances. A story set in 12th century Wales that is as modern and gripping as any story told today.

The Things She’s Seen

The unraveling of an unsolved arson of a children’s home in remote Australia is the setting for this tenderly-crafted, dark tale about about loss and healing. Written by a brother and sister!

The One Memory of Flora Banks

A mystery-thriller with an unreliable main character is my favorite kind of read. As the suspense grows, so will your suspicions of Flora, her memory, and most of all, her motives.

Animus

Kids are disappearing and the Kyoto police are stumped. Could the ghost-boy at the local park be able to help? A graphic novel, a mystery, and a perfectly creepy tale.

The Woman All Spies Fear

Elizebeth Smith Friedman was one of America’s best at making and breaking codes during WWI and WWII. Brilliant and daring, fans of Hidden Figures will love her story.

Today Tonight Tomorrow

A city-wide scavenger hunt, the Aurora Bridge Troll, and two seniors racing against the clock…and towards each other. A sweet, romantic jaunt through Seattle.

A Sitting in St. James

The family fortune is buried deep, as deep as the family’s secrets. A struggling Southern sugar cane plantation needs money but that may not be enough to save it from it’s wretched past.

Today Tonight Tomorrow

A city-wide scavenger hunt, the Aurora Bridge Troll, and two seniors racing against the clock…and towards each other. A sweet, romantic jaunt through Seattle.

Butterfly Yellow

A Vietnamese refugee newly arrived in Texas in search of her younger brother befriends a wanna-be rodeo cowboy. Will their guilt-ridden secrets hold them back from finding happiness?

Crushing

Follow two lonely-hearts through the city in this wordless graphic novel that explores being “crushed” – by isolation or by love. Brilliant.

The How & the Why

An adoption story told from a teen mother’s letters and her daughter’s journal. Has humor, heart, and OK, maybe I shed a few tears. Perfect for fans of Robin Benway’s Far From the Tree.

Switch

It’s been June 23, 2020 for over a year. What will javelin-throwing prodigy Truda do about it? Twilight Zone meets Black Mirror meets the genius of A. S. King.

Everything Sad is Untrue

How does 12 year-old Khosrou, newly immigrated from Iran, survive middle school in Oklahoma? By telling sprawling stories that he hopes will distract his classmates long enough to let him figure life in America, and himself, out.

Snail Crossing

I love a picture book that is as engaging for an adult as it is for a kid and this one knocks it out of the the park. Well, actually, just across a road at a snail’s pace. So funny!

The Smell of Other People’s Houses

Four Alaskan teens, each with their own challenges, whose lives slowly converge. A short read that packs a punch.

My Jasper June

Leah is just trying to disappear. But when a new girl named Jasper comes to town, Leah’s plan falls apart. Two girls, two big secrets, and one unforgettable summer of growth and friendship.

Sachiko

Sachiko was a little girl when the atomic bomb hit Japan in WWII. Her entire family died, but she survived to tell her tale. Unbelievable and heart wrenching.

Mockingbird

Losing your brother is hard, but when you are autistic, it feels even harder. A story of finding strength, healing, and leaning on those you still have.

The Cat I Never Named

A calico cat can change everything. Even if the whole world is falling apart around you.

The Velveteen Rabbit

“Once you are Real you can’t become unreal, it lasts for always”. My favorite story of all time. This will change your life in the most wonderful way.

Marshmallow and Jordan

A beautiful graphic novel about a girl and an elephant who become best friends and help each other become brave.

A Kind of Spark

Addie is autistic, which makes her brain work differently. After learning about the witch trials in school, Addie sets out to make a difference for these women who died because of their “differences”. So powerful!

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum hates her name. It’s too long and nobody can spell it or say it correctly. But when she meets an inspiring music teacher, everything changes. One of my all time favorites.

Stella’s Starliner

Stella feels sad that her family lives in a motorhome. That is until she pretends it is a spaceship instead. This is a heartwarming story for every age.

Wintergirls

Lia’s life has been overtaken by her eating disorder and she finds herself in a life or death situation. She will need to muster all the strength she has in order to recover. Powerful, accurate, and honest.

Every Falling Star

Sungju Lee’s true account of how he escaped North Korea during one of the most turbulent times. Exciting, intense, and unforgettable.

Sabriel

Sabriel is a necromancer who must uphold the great work of her father and save the Old Kingdom. Reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, this book is an incredible, action-packed adventure.

The Golden Compass

Lyra, a young orphan girl, learns of a mysterious substance called “Dust” that exists in the far North and holds the secrets to the universe(s). An amazing work of fantasy for all ages.

Gregor the Overlander

Gregor finds a hole in the wall that leads down to the Underworld. Suddenly Gregor is involved in an ancient prophecy of danger, mystery, and adventure.

Girl Made of Stars

After Mara’s twin brother, Owen is accused of rape, Mara doesn’t know where to turn. A tough story of family, forgiveness, and healing from our deepest traumas.

Raymie Nightingale

While trying to get her father back in the family, Raymie makes some lifetime friends and unforgettable memories. A heartwarming story of friendship, growing up, and finding your courage.

The Beatryce Prophecy

Kate DiCamillo does it again! You will fall in love with Beatryce along with the whole cast of misfit characters.

The Line Tender

Lucy may have lost her mom, but she still has her deep fascination with sharks. So, when dead (and alive) sharks start cropping up off the coast of Maine, Lucy knows this must be a sign from her mom. Emotional, contemplative, and addictive.

Fighting Words

Two sisters are in protective custody after their abusive step-father does something “really bad”. This book will shatter you and then put the pieces back together.

Eva Evergreen, Semi-magical Witch

Eva still hasn’t gotten her magical powers, which at the age of 12 is unheard of. Will she get them in time to prove she is a real witch? Magical, exciting, and positively uplifting.

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea

Hazel must find the courage to overcome her fear of the ocean, accept a new family member, and deal with PTSD from a previous accident. Ashley Herring Blake has never disappointed me.

If These Wings Could Fly

A brave teenage girl has to protect her younger sisters from their abusive father in this raw and brutal YA fiction novel.

My Life With the Liars

Zylynn has lived her whole life in the compound, following the light. That is until she is taken out at the age of 12 by a stranger who claims to be her father. Intense, mysterious, and contemplative.

The Night World

Fascinating book that moves from the pitch darkness of night to the first rays of dawn light. Great read for kids who wonder what it’s like at night, and good to dispel fears of the dark as well.

Outside In

Insightful, engaging and smart, this Teen novel shows how one girl with her average family learns to respect and understand her friends more eccentric and outcast family, hidden in plain sight.

Trickster’s Choice

Great tween/teen speculative fiction read, my entry in the huge Tamora Pierce canon of work. Story of a spy-trained girl stolen into slavery who helps to create a social revolt in a sub-tropical world. Full of magic and god-touched characters.

The Hero and the Crown

I wish this skilled author had written more than a few books and stories in this amazing desert fantasy world. Highly recommended, on my best ever list. An adventurous princess, an evil dragon/wizard, the power of perseverance.

11 Birthdays

1st in a fantastic series about kids growing up, friends in community, and magic. Yup, real magic. Funny and real and just a delight. You’re welcome.

The Street Beneath My Feet

A big crazy fold up book all about geology, archeaology, urban planning, biology and history. Literally, what’s beneath our feet. Boys love this book.

The Higher Power of Lucky

A transformative short chapter book about a child and adult raising each other in the desert. Just magical, and funny.

The Whisper

Lyrical illustrations by a favorite artist show a girl and her book that is without words, until the wind shows her how to create her own stories from the pictures.

Some Kind of Courage

Fast moving cowboy era story of an orphaned boy and the Chinese kid he befriends on a search for his stolen horse. Exciting and moving, with an unexpected ending.

The Westing Game

A classic kid’s mystery/inheritance story. So satisfying. Excellent writing and plots twists in this chapter book, great for any age.

See You in the Cosmos

Amazing on audio, this chapter book is about a 12 yr old boy who sets off on an adventure to send a small rocket up in space at a convention in a neighboring state. Good for tweens and teens.

The Arrival

Magical, amazing Graphic Novel, without words, about the immigrant experience. Exquisite illustrations with depth and feeling, tell the story of someone without language who finds his place in a whole new world. Recommended for all ages.

Cricket in the Thicket

Short and sweet, fun to read poems, with Fantastic illustrations that pop right off the page. For curious or science loving kids there are notes in the back and inserts about insects and our environment.

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?

Fascinating and thorough, this story about food follows bread, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and chocolate from creation to harvest, with fun graphic illustrations and easy to read descriptions.

Katie the Catsitter

In a city full of super heroes and super villians, Katie needs a summer job so she can go to camp with her trendy friends. The job she lands is not quite what she expects! A wild adventure for older kids and fun loving teens. 1st in a series.

FukuFuku. Kitten Tales, Vol. 01

Hot Graphic Novel title among the K-3 set! Heavy on drawings and light on words, a well-loved kitten gets into (and out of) the usual cat troubles. Told from the kittens point-of-view.

The Chicken Thief

Wordless picture books are for everyone! They require careful attention. This story is full of tension and humor, pursuit and escape, a delight from beginning to end. And there’s a sequel!

Savvy

A lively adventure chapter book with magical abilities and family drama, humorous and busy, a fun read.

All the Answers

A fun chapter book (it’s also a graphic novel!) about a magical pencil that knows all the answers to a 12 yr old girl’s questions. Super handy to have around! But it makes life complicated too. Good book for thinking about life.

The Wild Robot

Wonderful narration that makes you feel you are this intrepid and curious robot. She’s a loyal friend, and a quick learner. An epic story of survival.

How We Got to Now

If you are curious about life, and love putting together puzzles, this read will connect inventions and social changes that have created the modern world. Terrific on audio!

Flora & Ulysses

I love to hear books read to me as well as read them myself. This one is SO fun, and funny. A squirrel has a near-death experience and gets amazing superpowers! Flora rescues the squirrel and he rescues her in return.

The Big Dark

This kids adventure chapter book is fun for all ages! A solar storm shuts off all motors in the whole world. What could happen? Will people be kind or greedy? A young boy makes a life saving decision. Great read.

Mythologica

An explosion of rocking illustrations by UK musician Victoria Topping! This oversize book highlighting the characters in Greek myths is in the kids area, but is suitable for anyone. My favorite is the 100-eyed monster, yowza!

Swap!

Delightful picture book, using minimal words, showing how a pirate and his sidekick trade their way up to a like- new repaired ship! Fun illustrations of the town and it’s people.

The Obstinate Pen

A quirky, cartoon-illustrated story about a pen with a mind of its own, who tends to write only rude (but truthful) things. It makes all readers laugh at the unexpected antics and follies of humanity, in a whimsical way.

Voices in the Air

A teen/tween magical book of poems and short short writings. Each a treat to dip in and consume. Silky and smooth on the tongue, a mixture of light, deep, poignant, reflective and honoring poet’s who were.

Toads and Diamonds

A tween/teen novel. Three steps beyond a fairy tale re-telling, set in a sub-tropical world suffering from plague, with court politics, earth magics, light romance, and learning how to value one’s own self.

The 57 Bus

Two teens converge on a city bus in a moment of thoughtless violence, and both of their lives are changed forever. Reading and understanding this true story changed my life, too.

Where the Red Fern Grows

This is the book that turned me into a reader.

The Lock-eater

Come for the intricate world-building and compelling adventure, stay for the personal evolution and sparkling prose.

King and the Dragonflies

King is struggling to hold his family together after his older brother’s unexpected death. How much does he have left to look after his missing, tortured friend?

The Hundred Dresses

Originally published in 1944, this story still has lots to tell us about kindness and respect and seeing people for who they are.

The Enigma Game

Three intersecting stories vibrate with intrigue, suspense, and complex human emotion in this historical thriller set in 1940’s Scotland.

Checked

A triumphant story about an elite hockey player and his love for his sick dog is elevated by Kadohata’s typically transparent and transportive prose.

27 Magic Words

I love this book SO MUCH. I hope you do, too.

Morning Girl

Siblings Morning Girl and Star Boy take turns weaving together tender pieces of their daily lives into a tapestry that depicts the sanctity of family.

Sadie and Ratz

This is the perfect evocation of the trials, confusions, and joys of siblinghood.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Remember when picture books had lots of words? I do. Those were some good picture books.

Over the Ocean

Originally published in Japan more than forty years ago, this visual spectacle is an ode to curiosity.

The Lost House

What can you find in the technicolor chaos of lost objects and maximalist abandon? I found a pile of fun.

This One Summer

Raw, surly, electric, and still, this observant graphic novel exposes a particular place in childhood with unflinching insight.

Louis Undercover

Though his father’s drinking is pulling the family apart, Louis finds strength in his care for his little brother, a stray raccoon, and a bewitching girl on a bicycle.

Lovely War

The Greek Gods meddle in the lives and loves of humans entrenched in the chaos of war, only this time they’re wreaking their havoc and sowing their romance in WWI Europe.

Small in the City

It can be scary to be out on your own–small in the city–but never fear. Someone is looking out for you.

The Sea-ringed World

This collection of traditional indigenous stories from across the Americas spans thousands of years, thousands of miles, and the huge range of human emotion.

Out of the Shadows

A pioneer of stop motion animation brings her beloved folk tales to the screen, and now her story is available to us in this wonderful book inspired by, and styled after, early cinema.

Book of Questions

Epic, confounding, and deeply curious, these questions make your mind, and your world, extra big.

The Complete Brambly Hedge

Who doesn’t like a story about an intentional community of mouse homesteaders spending their days in the most blissful and wholesome of ways?