
Early Elementary
Jabari Jumps
By: Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for. To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/2RuIKaB
The Cool Bean
By: John Jory
Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re so cool. And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . .
Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool beans show him how it’s done. An incredible picture book, reminding us that it’s cooler to be kind. To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/33pXABT
Upper Elementary
Magic Misfits
By: Neil Patrick Harris
When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on. After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they’ll set out to save the town. To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/3nWhdLv
City Spies – Winner of the 2020-2021 SSYRA
By: James Ponti
Sara Martinez is a hacker. She recently broke into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Sara finds herself facing years in a juvenile detention facility and banned from using computers for the same stretch of time. Enter Mother, a British spy who not only gets Sara released from jail but also offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret MI6 agency. To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/3nUOzu8
Middle School
Piecing Me Together
By: Renee Watson
Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And she has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods. And just because Maxine, her college-graduate mentor, is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference. (Review by bookbrowse.com)
To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/2PXIIaM
All Fall Down
By: Ally Carter
ALL FALL DOWN is the first book in Ally Carter’s Embassy Row series. Protagonist Grace was hospitalized after her mother’s death three years ago — which she swears was no accident — but is now coming back to the (fictional) country of Adria to live with her grandfather, the U.S. ambassador to Adria. Grace has never been one to think too much before acting, which has led to many broken bones throughout her childhood. So when she believes she’s identified the scarred man who shot her mother, she’s willing to go to great lengths to bring him down, even break into his apartment with the help of her crafty friends. But she’s accused other men of murdering her mother — can she trust her memory? (Review by Common Sense Media) TO buy this book, click here: https://amzn.to/33umXCs
Young Adult
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/3o1mn94
The Cookbook for Teens
By: Tamra Orr
Become a kitchen whiz with The Cookbook for Teens. Even the world’s top chefs had to start somewhere. The Cookbook for Teens is the perfect introduction to the art of cooking, even for teenagers who have never cooked more than a slice of toast. The Cookbook for Teens will guide you through introductory preparation and cooking techniques, how to read recipes, and how to shop for groceries. Once you are comfortable in the kitchen, you will learn how to make your own easy dishes, with simple Cookbook for Teens recipes for appetizers, entrées, and snacks. The Cookbook for Teens makes the kitchen accessible for any teenager interested in the culinary arts, with: 4 easy-to-follow Cookbook for Teens recipes, such as Bacon and Cheese Risotto, Deep Dish Spaghetti Pizza, and Southwestern Salad. (Review by Google Books) To purchase this book, click here: https://amzn.to/3henpwS