KIDS

We see lots of books at the Library and every staff member has a book or two (or three!) that has stood out to them throughout the year. Here are just a few favorite reads from youth services staffers from 2021.

Picture Books

Sarah A. suggests:

The Library Book by Gabby Dawnay, illustrated by Ian Morris. "It's such a great way to encourage those reluctant readers - and I love that it touches on how screens are the distraction."

The Bench by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, illustrated by Christian Robinson. "There is a lovely rhythm to the words and a diverse collection of dads depicting so many unique situations. And who doesn't love Christian Robinson?"

Red by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. "A book so simple and yet so creatively captivating with each page. I love the cutouts and how cleverly they were placed to tell a story. Now I've read all the Colors!" (Be sure to check out the other books in the series, Green and Blue.)

Bright Star by Yuyi Morales. "I love that this book's beautiful illustrations completely draw you in to truly feeling the fear and anxiousness of the story - and all without being too preachy or political."

Keeping the City Going by Brian Floca. "A community book about essential workers is always a needed and valuable perspective for kids, but this one is special because it highlights the unique world we lived in during the beginning of the pandemic. It's a time capsule of what so many kids lived through, but also a beautiful lesson in how our community workers kept our cities thriving and working together even through the hard times."

Sarah B.T. suggests:

Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer. "This is a gorgeously illustrated, lyrical picture book that invites readers to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the world around them. You won't be able to stay inside after reading this one."

No Pants! by Jacob Grant. "For any parent and child who have had the age-old getting dressed debate, this is sure to bring lots of laughter. Plus a twist ending is sure to bring joy to all ages."

Wishes by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Victo Ngai. "This beautifully illustrated picture book tells a family's immigration story in simple, poetic text. The details in the art are gorgeous and demand to be poured over again and again."

Amanda H. suggests:

Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. "Lily is going to live with her grandmother and is struggling to accept her new home. To help Lily feel better, her grandmother suggests they try to find ten 'beautiful things' on the drive to her house. Along with gorgeous illustrations, the story handles the hard feelings and circumstances Lily is experiencing with respect and tenderness, all while encouraging the reader to see the beauty in everyday life and especially each other."

Iggi H. suggests:

The Creature of Habit by Jennifer E. Smith, illustrated by Leo Espinosa. "This book is a simple yet refreshing story of opposite creatures who wind up living on the same island. They each like to do things their own way and that's okay, but the common ground they find is best of all. The creatures and their island are vivid and whimsical and their activities all look so fun!"

Karen R. suggests:

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. "I am loving this book. It is a Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award nominee. The story begins with a curious bear exploring and learning about the river, making new friendships along their way UNTIL... the book concludes in a big splash of color as the animals find out they are not alone in their woodland home. The text is fun to read as you anticipate what will happen next. The illustrations are superb from the beginning endpapers to the final. Sharp-eyed children will notice the 'hidden' animals throughout the book and there's something special about following the blue of the river as it courses through the book! This book could be used as an introduction to woodland habitats or friendship."

Emily D. suggests:

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson. "This beautiful book is a rare instance where stereotypes are broken down. The confusion of childhood, incarcerated parents and how different families' experiences can be are all addressed while being softly considered."

For older readers

Phyllis D. suggests:

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor. 13-year-old Mei is a Chinese immigrant living and working along with her father the cook in a logging camp in the late 1800's Sierra Nevada mountain range. At night she tells stories of Auntie Po and her giant blue buffalo, Pei Pei, which is a reimagining of the Paul Bunyan tales. When anti-Chinese sentiment begins to affect the camp and starts to become violent, Mei, her father and other Chinese workers are asked to leave by the white foreman, allegedly for their own safety. This book provides an accessible, age-appropriate picture of the history of the aftermath of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the effect it had on the Chinese-American immigrants of the time. It also provides an excellent parallel to current anti-Asian incidents that have been on the rise while providing hope for more understanding and harmonious race relations in the future."

Chris M. suggests:

Fallout: Spies, Superbombs and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin. "What an exciting read! Perfect for inquiring minds 10 years and up. History comes to life when the reader can relate to the key players on a personal level. Statements like, 'in 1962, most non-scientists knew nothing of the possibility of nuclear winter. But that didn't really matter. The dinosaurs had never heard of asteroids, either,' (p. 202). A good recommendation for older fans of 'I Survived' but much more in-depth and backed up by documented research."

Amanda H. suggests:

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. "Set in World War II-era England, this book tells the story of three orphaned siblings searching for their forever home. Full of interesting characters, hidden secrets and literary references. The perfect cozy winter read!"

Iggi H. suggests:

The Tea Dragon Tapestry written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill, lettered by Crank! "This is the thoughtful conclusion to Katie O'Neill's Tea Dragon trilogy of big, beautiful comics. Though the world of Tea Dragons is magical and adventurous, the focus of these stories is on the care and raising of gentle little creatures and the making of everyday memories, which are really highlighted by the art and visual storytelling. Much like a warm cup of tea, The Tea Dragon Tapestry soothes and calms with a depth of flavor that will stay with you long after you put it down."

The Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane. "This is the story of three vampires: Dragoslava, Eztli and Quintus who are eternally children. They will never grow up and be responsible adults, but they might be able to grow into okay kids. Assuming, that is, that they can find a witch's long-lost spellbook before her curse turns Dragoslava into worms. The stress of their situation puts the trio's immortal friendship into the test, but some magical adults and excellent dry humor may be the key to escaping the witch's curse for good."

What have you loved this year?

Questions or need more ideas? Email imagine@thelibrary.org