Adults
Recommended by Nancy Bell, Readers' Advisory Librarian
The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia
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Firuz is a nonbinary refugee escaping the genocide of their homeland where blood magic practitioners are being hunted. Finding work and purpose as a healer, Firuz is able to mask their magical abilities, but one day discovers a strange disease that causes the bruising of the body and eventual death. The only way Firuz is able to diagnose this condition, however, is the forbidden blood magic. Set in a Persian-inspired fantasy world full of magic and politics, this was a short and fast-paced read. I so wish it was the first in a series!
The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club by Julia Thomas
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In 1955, Alice Campbell invites four female roommates from Radcliffe College to join her bookstore’s monthly book club. Alice chooses themes and titles to challenge their assumptions and broaden their horizons, and each month brings the group of women closer with gradual changes in the women themselves and in their friendships. When one of the group is assaulted over Winter break, they find themselves and their relationships tested. Lately, I’ve been enjoying historical fiction focused on women’s perspectives, such as Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and while this book doesn’t have the same sardonic/satirical tone, it doesn’t shy away from the issues women faced in the 1950s.
Still True by Maggie Ginsberg
I was initially drawn to this book because it is set in small-town, rural Wisconsin during the summer, but quickly becamse emotionally attached to the complex characters: three families in Anthem, WI, find their lives intertwining when long kept secrets begin to be exposed. The characters feel real and their stories are filled with good intentions and the unexpected impact they have. Ginsberg’s writing writing reminds me of William Kent Krueger, Anne Tyler, and Richard Russo, for their lyrical and descriptive care of setting and characters.
Teens
Recommended by Maggie Mueller, Teen Services Librarian
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Ebook
Audiobook
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If you enjoy wizarding school adventures, this action-packed fantasy will not disappoint! Thirteen-year-old Amari, a poor Black girl from the projects, gets an invitation from her missing brother to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. She accepts with the hopes of finding her brother, but with a terrifying foe lurking in the shadows, Amari’s dreams might be cut short.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Ebook
Audiobook
This suspenseful mystery has been a hit with both teens and adults, and it’s worth the hype. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. Having grown up in the small town that was consumed by the crime, Pip chooses the case as the topic for her final project. But when Pip starts uncovering secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden, the school project becomes Pip's dangerous reality. A must-read for all mystery sleuths.
Children
Chapter Books
For me, October is always spooky reads season, so I chose some of my more recent favorites that I hope you like too! -Lindsay, Children’s Librarian
Nightmares! by Jason Segel
Ebook
Audiobook
A truly creepy book with enough humor and warmth that it (probably) won’t give the reader nightmares. Charlie is having nightmares that feel all too real, and he and his friends soon discover that they are not only real but trying to take over the town!
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Ebook
Audiobook
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This novel is a captivating look at childhood fears. The main character is named Bod (which stands for Nobody), a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard-where he must remain or risk the wrath of the man, Jack, who has already murdered his entire family...
Thirteen Witches: The Memory Thief by Jodi Lynn Anderson
The first in a series, this is a novel that relays the power of stories to comfort and guide us. Rosie learns that her emotionally absent mother has been cursed by a powerful witch-the memory thief. Could this be why Rosie’s mother doesn’t care about her?
Picture Books
Recommended by Marie Boleman, Head of Children's & Families Outreach Services
Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant
Ebook
Audiobook
Leif is a leaf who is worried about falling. What will happen when autumn comes and he is pulled from his branch? Beautiful illustrations and a relatable story will engage young children. This is sure to become a fall favorite.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
Say, isn’t a scarecrow supposed to keep crows AWAY? Clever, rhyming text is wonderful for helping young children identify different parts of speech.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Ebook
Audiobook
A wonderful tale for parents and caregivers to read with their little ones. We are reminded that simply listening is a powerful way to help others.
