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!
Zoe is determined to win the top prize for the school's fundraiser by selling the most cookie dough, but wasn't prepared for the price she had to pay to win. This award-winning author works for our local school and this is her eighth book. Loved it! Recommended by Robin
Ages 8-12
Recommended by Robin! Ages 8-12.
My favorite storyteller Kate DiCamillo gives us an original fairy tale--with enchanting illustrations by Julie Morstad--in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning, and high spirits. Exciting and heartwarming! -Robin
Ages 8-12
In Dogtown, a shelter for unwanted canine and robot dogs, an extraordinary bond develops between Chance, a longing three-legged dog, Metalhead, an empathetic robot, and Mouse, their friendly ally, as they strive to find forever homes. Recommended by Robin
Ages 8-12
When young Arthur Conan Doyle is offered a spot at Baskerville Hall, a secret school for extraordinarily gifted children, he is thrilled to be chosen. He soon discovers that his new school is a peculiar place. Arthur quickly makes friends - - and enemies, too-- deadly foes who wants him expelled . . . or worse. Recommended by Robin
Ages 8-12
Recommended by Beth! Ages 8-12.
A mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in front of a house of a ghost librarian. 11-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Recommended by Robin
Ages 8-12.
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
Ages 8-12
An endearingly energetic fourth grader takes on the big job of finding new homes for her neighbor's seven cats in this heartwarming illustrated middle grade novel. So good! -Robin
Ages 8-10
After a terrible thing climbs out of a horrible bag and kidnaps Zenith's sister Apogee, he must venture into a strange, nightmarish land to rescue her. An exciting adventure full of colorful (and frequently terrible) characters. -Stephen
Ages 8-12.
In this not-so-scary ghost story, quirky, tool-wielding Alice begins to repair the dilapidated mansion next door--only to discover the old house is home to ghosts, and they need mending, too! Home is where the heart is. But can a house have a heart of its own? -Robin
Ages 8-12
Recommended by Beth! Ages 13+.
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
Ages 8-12
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
Ages 8-12
This gorgeously written, deeply haunting ghost story explores complex family dynamics and exhilarating, forbidden romance as a teen girl tries to save her family and herself from a deadly haunted house. One of the best ghost stories I've read. -Stephen
Ages 13+.
Winnie's greatest dream is to join the ancient order of the Luminaries- monster hunters in her very unusual, very dangerous town where nightmares come to life. She must overcome her own family's treacherous past and her own fear to reach her dream. Creepy setting, dynamic, kick-a%$ characters, twists and turns. A great read!
Ages 13+
Recommended by Diana! Ages 8-12.
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
Ages 8-12
