April 2023 Staff Picks

April brings all the good things: showers, flowers and fresh book picks. Enjoy!

Adults
Recommended by Nancy Bell, Readers' Advisory Librarian

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts is a selective and prestigious school that will allow, through a rigorous process, students to complete a sanctioned homicide. Told as a handbook by the dean, and through journal entries, we follow three students who seek to “delete” their respective bosses. The combination of dark humor, mystery, and an immersive 1950s setting, had me sucked in and invested, even when the narrative did get a bit too well-detailed and slow. I feel like I can't say any more without giving away too much of the intrigue, so if this sounds anything like something you would enjoy, give it a go!

Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Lies

If you love contemporary retellings of romance classics, this could be a great next read for you! Two Wrongs Make a Right is a reimagining of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". Our two leads, Jamie and Bea, are set up by their well-meaning friends, but instead of a meet-cute have a meet-disaster where they both judge each other too harshly: Jamie is too uptight, and Bea is too chaotic. Luckily, we get the inside scoop as the story is told from both of their perspectives as the pair fake date in the hopes of convincing their meddling friends to leave them alone. Things I particularly love about this book: characters with healthy communication (after some stumbling and putting it off—it feels very real that way); an adorable secondary cast with funny, caring, and too-involved friends and family; and leads who are neurodivergent and have authentic representations. A lot of heart, humor, and *spicy* with the enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

I have been very slow to pick up the first book in The Murderbot Diaries. I’ve heard great things about this series, which ironically, has made me reluctant to read it, as I would hate to be disappointed. After having the entire series foisted upon me all at once by a friend, I am obsessed with the first book! The main character is a half-artificial intelligence, half-“organic material” security robot who, after hacking their own governing software, calls itself “Murderbot” and uses its newfound freedom to…binge watch soap operas. Murderbot is currently on a security detail for a group of human scientists on a planetary mission, and is putting in the absolute bare minimum so it can go back to watching its entertainment videos. Things start to go awry and Murderbot and the scientists need to work together to find out the truth, even though both parties have had experiences teaching them not to trust each other. Fantastic character and world-building inside of a science fiction mystery. I would highly recommend if you enjoyed The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi.

Teens
Recommended by Teen Services Librarian Maggie Mueller.

Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter

Tweens who enjoy stories about kids dealing with real-life issues will want to read about Gwendolyn Rogers, a neurodivergent girl. When Gwendolyn discovers she has 54 things wrong with her after reading a confidential school report, she is determined to get a diagnosis and get things under control so she can go to horse camp. 

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

Marigold and her family are looking for a new start when they move to their picture-perfect home in Cedarville. But the renovated home has a dark and mysterious history and as Mari uncovers its secrets, the home comes to life with paranormal activity. If you enjoy scary movies and haunted houses, this contemporary horror novel is a must-read.  

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Looking for something like The Hunger Games but for older teens? You’ll love Throne of Glass. Eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is doing hard labor in the salt mines for her crimes when Crown Prince Dorian offers her a deal: her freedom on the condition that she act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Children

Chapter Books
Recommended by Children's and Family Outreach Services Head Marie Boleman.

The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander
This science fiction tale features a smart, curious girl who clearly loves the adventure of learning and problem-solving. It is a lighter read that takes you on an exuberant trip to a library in an alternate reality. If you enjoy this kind of adventure, you’ll be happy to know there is a sequel! 

The Last Rabbit by Shelly Moore Thomas
When the parents of four sisters perish in a car accident, the girls are sent to a magical island where they are transformed into rabbits until they are ready to return to the world and live as girls again. This inspiring tale is full of surprises and has a seamless writing style. 

Two Roads by Joseph Bruchac

This historical fiction story takes place in 1932 when Native Americans were encouraged to send their children to boarding schools set up by the government. Twelve-year-old Cal is sent to such a school where he learns about his heritage as a Creek Indian, not from the teachers, but from the other kids who are there. The tale is bittersweet, but hopeful and inspiring. 

Picture Books
I’ve been anxious for the weather to warm up in Wisconsin, so I’ve been reading books that remind me of spring in some way. - Lindsay, Children’s Librarian

Am I Yours? by Alex Latimer
In this sweet and engaging story, a poor egg has become lost and can’t find their family. They roll around and around, asking all the creatures they meet, “Am I yours?”.

Egg by Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes’ books are known for their bold and simple illustrations, and Egg is no exception. The egg in this story is full of surprises, and children will delight in this story’s twist.

Hello Winter, Goodbye Spring by Kenard Pak
I love this entire series for its gorgeous and colorful illustrations. Children will learn about the seasons and what to expect during the transition to springtime.