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Staff Picks: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano

Reviewed by Alejandria G.

Leo Logroña is the youngest member of her family. And as the youngest member of her family, she is used to everyone always telling her she is too young to help.

When the annual Día de los Muertos festival approaches, Leo thinks this will finally be the year she will be asked to help with festival preparations at her family’s beloved bakery. But yet again, she is disappointed when she is told she is still too young. After sneaking out of school to make sure all is really okay at the bakery, Leo accidentally discovers the shocking family secret: she belongs to family of brujas -witches- who use their magic to bake up the sweetest (and luckiest) treats in town. Read more about Staff Picks: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano

Posted by Alejandria G. on April 9, 2019

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarians: April 2019

In this month's episode, we chat about food with the Education Coordinator from Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, learn about Earth Day's history and some its quirkier pop culture manifestations, discuss community outreach with the Library's Special Audiences Strategist, and discuss DIY and Upcycling Library resources.

Posted by Paula G.O. on April 1, 2019

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Staff Picks: Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

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Reviewed by Cidne B.

Told in a series of letters, this is the story of twelve year old Sophie Brown’s adventures after she and her family move from L.A. to the rundown farm they inherit from her great-uncle Jim. It begins with the sighting of an unusual chicken and leads to the discovery that there was once an entire coop full of remarkably different breeds.

This wonderful novel tackles issues of family, belonging, community, and change. The difficulties of adjusting to a whole new life are made more interesting by Sophie’s efforts to learn how to take care of her remarkable flock and to solve the mystery behind where they came from and where they are hiding.

Witty, engaging, and utterly delightful, with charming illustrations by Katie Kath, this warm-hearted story would make an excellent read aloud for younger children as well as appeal to independent readers.

Posted by Alejandria G. on March 19, 2019

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Staff Picks: What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton

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Reviewed by Alejandria G.

It’s impossible not to feel inspired while reading this gorgeous, well-written nonfiction picture book about the life of Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

From a young age, Barbara Jordan had a remarkable voice. Her voice demanded attention and projected confidence beyond her years. As the author ponders, “What do you do with a voice like that?”. And so began the journey of Barbara Jordan from child to college student. From lawyer to Congresswoman. Jordan spent her career speaking up for those who had less power and protected the rights of those who were discriminated against. Chris Barton’s wonderful words remind us to honor Jordan’s legacy by making our own voices heard.

Ekua Holmes honors Barbara’s life with gorgeous mixed media illustrations. Bold colors and patterns fill the pages and add dimension to the story. Read more about Staff Picks: What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton

Posted by Alejandria G. on March 14, 2019

What do you do with a voice like that?: the story of extraordinary congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Staff Picks: The Imaginary by A.F. Harrold

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Reviewed by Ginny H.

A.F. Harrold's novel follows Rudger, an imaginary friend. Amanda, Rudger's real person friend, helps him run away from an evil man who hunts "imaginaries".

But when Amanda is injured, Rudger is left all alone, which is bad news.The longer that Rudger has no one to believe in him, the more he fades. Can Rudger evade the evil hunter and find Amanda before he fades completely?

The Imaginary is a great book for kids interested in whimsical, imaginative fantasy stories

Posted by Alejandria G. on March 6, 2019

The imaginary

Friendship

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Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarians: March 2019

Think Library Presents: Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarians, a monthly podcast from Monroe County Public Library featuring our chattiest Librarians, Erica Brown and Matt Neer! In this month’s podcast, Matt and Erica explore forgotten and unknown women in history, learn how Library music and movies are selected, and face off in a mini Quiz Bowl moderated by VITAL's coordinator. Know what a literary canon is? Learn about and remake it! Have a question for next month’s podcast or want to appear on the show? Post it to our Facebook page or community [at] mcpl.info (subject: Your%20Friendly%20Neighborhood%20Librarians) (email us)!

Posted by Paula G.O. on March 4, 2019

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Staff Picks: Blended by Sharon M. Draper

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Reviewed by Christina J. Read more about Staff Picks: Blended by Sharon M. Draper

Posted by Alejandria G. on February 26, 2019

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Staff Picks: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

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Reviewed by Lizzie F.

Callum Hunt has spent his entire life avoiding magic, but his attempts to flunk the entrance exam for the Magisterium are unsuccessful, and he finds himself an apprentice at the underground magic school where young mages are trained. Despite his initial reluctance, he begins to enjoy learning to use magic, but nothing can prepare him for what he is about to learn about himself and his past.

This book is great for fans of Harry Potter and the twist ending will leave you excited for the Magisterium series' second installment.

Posted by Alejandria G. on February 6, 2019

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Staff Picks: The Honest Truth

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Reviewed by Ginny H.

Mark has been sick for a long time and after receiving bad news from the doctors, he's had enough. He's angry, scared, and just wants to disappear. So he does.

Mark sets out with his dog, Beau, to climb Mount Rainier. He encounters all kinds of people and obstacles along the way, all the while documenting his travels with his camera and writing haikus. While he misses his mom and dad and his best friend, Jess, he keeps going, even when he starts getting sicker.

This book was a really intense adventure novel. I found myself relating to the character in huge ways. The bond between Mark and his dog, Beau, was so relatable and real. When they got into some of the more dramatic parts, I was literally holding my breath!

If you like adventure and action, you'll love this book by Dan Gemeinhart.

Posted by Alejandria G. on January 22, 2019

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Staff Picks: Dactyl Hill Squad

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Reviewed by Ellen A.

Welcome to 1863 New York City, where dinosaurs roam the streets! Magdalys Roca and her fellow orphan friends are enjoying a field trip in the city when riots break out and a few of their group are kidnapped. It's up to Magdalys and the Dactyl Hill Squad to rescue their missing friends and defeat the evil magistrate, Riker.

This alternate history involving the U.S. Civil War, a diverse bunch of heroic orphans, and dinosaurs is quite a thrilling ride. The exciting adventure, written by Daniel José Older, also touches on deeper issues such as extreme racial injustice and fighting for what is right.

I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, Freedom Fire, to be released in May 2019.

Posted by Alejandria G. on January 17, 2019

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think