Many members of our staff enjoy reading children's and young adult books! You will see reviews from many of us, plus some guest youth readers!
Mott finds what she thinks is an abandoned puppy, who turns out to be not only a wolf, but actually Fenris, the Moon-eating wolf who will bring about Ragnarok --the end of the world in Norse mythology. Can Mott keep herself and Fenris safe from the Norse gods pursuing them and also keep him from eating Los Angeles? Read and find out! -Stephen
A baby otter is orphaned in a storm and raised by scientists at California's Monterery Bay Aquarium and returned to the ocean, but rescued again after being attacked by a shark. In the back of the book you can read the real life story of the otter. So good! -Robin
8-year-old Aref and his mother leave their home in Oman and his grandfather to join his father in Ann Arbor, Michigan for three years. Excellent, positive story what it means to adjust to a new place and meeting new friends of all ages. And turtles, don't forget turtles. -Robin
A kind ogress leaves food on people's doorsteps, but when a child goes missing from the orphanage, the town accuses her. And is the mayor REALLY a human? And who destroyed the library years ago? I loved this book! -Robin
When Papa doesn't return from honey-gathering, Cress, her mother and baby brother move to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone's business. A novel of bravery, whatever your age. Lovely illustrations! -Robin
This is the last book written by Paulsen, the author of Hatchet. Leif is an orphan, raised by seaman on ships. At 12, he is set adrift on a canoe when the ship is besieged by cholera, and told to keep paddling north along the coast. Like his other books, this one is a survival adventure in the wild with the wonder and danger of nature. -Robin
Recommended by Diana! A great kids historical fiction and adventure, with some fantasy elements too!
This is a great book for kids who love witches, magic, and the pathway to destiny. This is a must read and will sweep readers into the enchanted world of magic and witches! I loved it! Ages 9-12
-Guest Reviewer, Persephone, age 11
Fragmentary tales spin together with beautiful illustrations to tell a story of longing, togetherness, separateness, and — above all — love. Behind the kaleidoscope is the constant that we inevitably come together even when far apart. -Stephen
Little Bird is the smallest crow in her flock. When Our Luck (a gold chain) is stolen from the nest, she is determined to rescue it and her journey and what she encounters to find it changes her life. For readers of Charlotte’s Web or Babe. Ages 8-12. -Robin
Mystery! Espionage! Detective work! This exceptionally clever and lively Victorian English-village murder mystery stars wickedly clever 12-year-old Myrtle and is the first in a series. Smart, with sophisticated vocabulary, a real treasure. Loved it so much and the second and third installments are just as good! Ages 10-up. -Recommended by Robin
This is a great book for readers who love ghosts and history! Chapters 19-21 just gave me chills. I had to keep reading! - Guest Reader Persephone, age 10
A Whale Of The Wild is a story of two whales (a sister and brother) who experience a tsunami and because of it basically everyone they know disappears. In order to take care of her younger brother, Vega has to learn to be strong. I enjoyed the book and would reccomend it; especially to animal lovers. -Guest Reader Will, age 11
Sila has always loved elephants, so it’s exciting when she has the chance to befriend an elephant rescued from a closing circus. The elephant’s new owner, whose wife was Sila’s 2nd grade teacher, and Matteo, a boy who is quite “different” from all of her friends, are hired to help take care of Veda the elephant. One of the best books I’ve read this year! It made me cry at the end, but it was a “happy” cry! Ages 10-up. Robin
This book has strong emotion and has an entrancing story. I found this book absolutely amazing and know that for kids who love magic, adventure, and the quest to find your true self, this will be a great book. It teaches an important lesson that magic isn't the answer to everything and that people are better off without magic. This book will take readers on a wild adventure. -Persephone, age 11
This book is great for kids who love mystery, bravery, and friendship. Two great kids in this book sacrifice themselves for two other friends. My favorite part is when Cooper and Jess mend fences and work together to solve a century old mystery. This book also teaches about a powerful, important feeling: forgiveness. This is a great book for ages 11 and up who love unsolved mysteries and friendship. -Persphone, age 11
This may be a teen book but the clever characters and unique plot in this modern romance will charm audiences of all ages. While running a side hustle of dog walking to help fund his dreams of attending Columbia University, Henri meets a neigbor who challanges his already complicated life. Great setting that transports you to the bustle of New York City. -Beth
The last thing Badger wants is a roommate, and certainly not Skunk, but since the house does not belong to him he does not have a choice. Soon everything in Badger's quiet and ordered life studying rocks is turned upside down. And where on earth did all the chickens come from? Ages 7-10. - Robin
