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!
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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
In a world of Holy beings and the Navajo language, stories, and so much more, young Nathan goes to stay with his grandmother in her mobile home. While there, he finds an ancient water monster, (a holy being) on the verge of death. Nathan has now promised to help heal the water monster and he is aided by other holy beings that are from the ancient Navajo stories. He will face tough challenges, deep friendships, and the beautiful power of the holy beings."by Persephone (age 11, guest reviewer)
In a book called Thornlight, in a city called the Vale, two twins named Thorn and Brier find themselves thrown into a twisted and chaotic plot of magic. Thorn and Brier, each running separate paths, seek help to stop a darkness from destroying the vale. Among this, a desperate young queen must realize that she must be sacrificed in order to stop the darkness and save the vale. - Persephone, guest reviewer (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
Roar! Do you like dinosaurs? If you do, than do you want to learn some mind blowing, astonishing, and remarkable facts and information about dinosaurs? When you read this book, you will learn about evolution, the age before the dinosaurs, the dinosaur age, and even about how dinosaurs evolved into the birds we see today. This is a great book for people who love learning about the world's most mysterious and amazing creatures! -Persephone, Guest Reviewer, age 11.
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
11 year old December has been in foster care when she is placed with a woman who rehabilitates injured birds. December helps her prepare an injured red-tailed hawk to go back into the wild. An orphan story filled with hope and kindness. So-o good! -Robin
When your grandfather chooses to have his death announced by a singing clown telegram, you know the funeral is going to be something else, but a scavanger hunt for the deceased's ashes? Rion's family may be odd, but there's lots of love there as well in this offbeat, heartwarming book.
