Miss Penny from the Youth Services Department has hand-picked a selection of her current favorite books — and there’s something for a range of ages!
- All of the books featured here are books that we have in our collection. To see if an item is available to check out or place on hold, click the cover image or button to the right of the description.
Penny Recommends...
A Phoenix First Must Burn: Sixteen Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope
by Patrice Caldwell
Sixteen stories by best selling and award winning authors, that explore the Black experience through fantasy, science fiction, and magic. Stories of love, betrayal, strength and resistance with true to life characters. It is amazing to be able to read different writing styles and diverse characters. Don’t miss this rare treasure of stories.
AGES: Young adults
Only Mostly Devastated
by Sophie Gonzales
This novel has been named one of the most exciting books of the year. On the list of Cosmopolitan Best 17 LGBT books. The story is inspired by Grease, complete with a group of Pink Ladies this realistic fiction book has wonderful characters that everyone can relate to. The voice of Ollie, is one of humor and introspection. Entertaining heartfelt dialogue with authentic, believable teen angst.
AGES: Young adults
Alice by Heart
by Steven Sater
This is a beautiful adaptation of the off-Broadway musical Spring Awakenings encourages readers to celebrate their imaginations. This is a journey through the mind of Alice, as she takes refuge in a London Tube station during WW II. Alice experiences grief, loss and first love with the help of her favorite book Alice in Wonderland .This is a great read for anyone who loves poetry, a good story, and love.
AGES: Young adults
Don't Read the Comments
by Eric Smith
Get ready to get your geek on! At first look this book is about a boy and a girl who find each other in the online gaming community.But its more than that, it’s an examination of the challenges teens face in the today’s world. This book examines a lot: racism, sexism, assault, income inequality, toxic online culture and more. Perfect book for anyone who loves gaming and relationships.
AGES: Young adults
What Kind of Girl
by Alyssa Sheinmel
These novel explores the topics of domestic violence and mental health in teens. The author does a great job of getting inside the victims minds and showing all their emotions and doubts that they are having. The book explores what constitutes abuse, do intentions matter? What authority figures ate the best to report to? Will anyone believe me? This novel is very emotional and sometimes hard to read, it is an important read for the #MeToo era.
AGES: Young adults
A Little Courage
by Taltal Levi
A sweet story of courage, imagination and friendship. A little creature loves to explore around the house during the day. The reader might be reminded of the Borrowers or Thumbelina. The illustrations while simple are very detailed. This little story inspires a sense of adventure, confidence and fun.
AGES: Preschool to second grade
One of These Is Not Like the Others
by Barney Saltzberg
This book points out and celebrates our differences. A book that begs to be read aloud. Readers are encouraged to notice both the similarities and differences between the characters. So clever, you will laugh out loud!
AGES: 2 to 5 years old