July 2022
New Classics
Traditional classics are often thought of as books that have withstood the test of time. But what is a modern classic in literature?
One common belief is that the work has been published in the last century, has been popular for a considerable period during that time, and has the potential to be deemed a classic once it meets the threshold for longevity. If you are looking for a few books that may challenge your assumptions about classic or "pre-classic" literature, this list is for you!
Adults
Recommended by Nancy Bell, Readers' Advisory Librarian
The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
Listen on Hoopla
The Netanyahus is the most recent winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, so not only could it be considered a new classic, but it can also be part of your Summer Reading Challenge reads in the Broad Reader category! Set in 1959 at the fictional Corbin College, history professor Ruben Blum is tasked with hosting Dr. Ben-Zion Netanyahu while he interviews for a position at the college as he is the only other Jew in the workplace. Instead of coming alone for the interview, Dr. Netanyahu show up with his entire family. Chaos ensues as the Blum and the Netanyahu families clash and take us on a semi-comedic exploration of Jewish identity inspired by a real-life event (the author explains the true story in the afterword).
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
Told in multiple perspectives, this character-driven family drama reveals the realities of poverty, racism, drug addiction, and grief. The family’s story is peeled back chapter by chapter as 13-year old Jojo and 3-year old Michaela are taken on a road trip by their drug addicted mother to pick up their father who was recently released from prison after three years. Absolutely beautifully written evoking the images and rhythms of Mississippi, and our own sympathy for the characters’ struggles. Side note: there are magical realism elements, as characters see or speak with the dead, and one of the narrators is also a ghost.
There There by Tommy Orange
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
Tommy Orange delves into the important and complex history of Native Americans in this story with a large cast of characters who are self-described “Urban Indians.” The twelve narrators, in their own short chapters, reveal their interconnected lives as they prepare for the first Big Oakland Pow Wow in Oakland, CA. While each person is drawn to the pow wow for individual reasons, the unifying theme throughout the novel is what one character turns to Google to ask: “What does it mean to be a real Indian?”
Teens
Recommended by Maggie Mueller, Teen Services Librarian
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
This mystery reads like a modern, more puzzling version of The Westing Game, and will likely have the same legacy. Avery Grambs has plans for her future, but that all changes when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery his fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea who Hawhorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. And it looks like Avery will have to play a game just to survive.
One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
Breakfast Club meets Gossip Girl in this Young Adult mystery loved by teens and adults. When the creator of a high school gossip app mysteriously dies in detention with four popular students present, all four become suspects and it’s up to them to prove their innocence. Currently a tv series on Peacock and a New York Times Best Seller, One of Us is Lying will certainly be a thrilling mystery read for decades.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas made a huge entrance in the publishing world when she released The Hate U Give in 2017. The book spent more than 200 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list and was made into a movie in 2018. The story follows 16-year-old Starr, a girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend. The book takes a real look at social justice and racism in present time, and will certainly be read and studied for years to come.
Read on Libby
Listen on Libby
Read on Hoopla
Movie Soundtrack on Hoopla
Available in Spanish
Picture Books
Recommended by Marie Boleman, Head of Children & Family Outreach Services
Saturday by Oge Mora
Read on Libby
Watch the movie on Hoopla
Everyone can relate to the anticipation of a weekend filled with exciting plans and how, sometimes, the plans do not go as expected. Mora, an award-winning author and illustrator, puts so much heart into such a circumstance shared by a mother and child one Saturday morning. They learn that some things are more important than one’s best laid plans.
This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Listen on Hoopla
Watch the movie on Hoopla
Klassen’s signature humor has put him at the top of the list of modern-day favorites among kids, teachers, parents and others who love sharing picture books. A little fish knowingly puts himself in trouble’s way. Will he get away with it?
Little Tree by Loren Long
Read on Libby
This book deals with the timeless theme of growing, letting go and moving on. It is Little Tree’s first autumn, but he is afraid to let his leaves fall. How many seasons can he keep resisting change?
Chapter Books
Recommended by Victoria Sheehan, Children's Library Assistant II
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
Read on Libby
Katie DiCamillo has written another fantastic book. The Beatryce Prophecy is about love, storytelling, doing what is right and ultimately, the power of friendship. This reads like a fable and takes place in medieval times. An educated 10-year-old princess is being pursued by soldiers. Can Beatryce and her friends outsmart them?
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
Read on Libby
A thought-provoking story of self-discovery and the meaning of family.There is mystery and suspense in this historical fiction work that takes place in the 1920’s on an island off the coast of Cape Cod. I found this beautifully written, and it was hard to put down.
Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza
Read on Hoopla
Listen on Libby
Ahmed’s epic year is epically bad. This new classic presents making friends, handling bullies, and the influence of good books.This is also an emotionally insightful book about change, grief, and identity written as humorously as possible.
