2016

March
Do Not Open The Box!
picture book
Do Not Open The Box! written by Timothy Young | illustrated by Timothy Young

A little boy named Benny sees a box with a sign taped to it that says, “DO NOT OPEN”, and it sends Benny’s imagination into overdrive: what could be in the box? Could it be something cool, like the robot he’s wanted? Or could it be something scary, like a monster? Maybe his sister put something in there to scare him!

The Dark Days Club
young adult
The Dark Days Club written by Alison Goodman

Lady Helen Wrexhall is preparing for her debut at the Royal Court. Amid fancy gowns and sparkling balls, she finds herself caught up in the investigation of a cabal of demons that are preying on young souls of Regency England. Her mentor, the ill-reputed Lord Carlston, is by her side to teach her the ins and outs of the mysterious Dark Days Club into which she is newly inducted. Humor, intrigue, and a touch of romance make this novel one to stand out!

Salt to the Sea
young adult
Salt to the Sea written by Ruta Sepetys

At the end of World War II, 1945, citizens flee Germany as the Russians invade from the east and the Allies approach from the west. Four teenage narrators gradually give up their secrets. Three grow closer together, fighting severe cold, bombs, making their way to a ship that should rescue them. But who will survive? Are Joana and Florian falling in love?

Trudy the Tree Frog
picture book
Trudy the Tree Frog written by Jennifer Keats Curtis | illustrated by Laura Jacques

A plucky little tree frog decides to broaden her horizons and learns that the grass isn’t always greener – and the bed isn’t always more comfortable – on the other side in this rhyming bedtime tale.

The Tightrope Walkers
young adult
The Tightrope Walkers written by David Almond

In this autobiographical novel by David Almond, Dominic Hall comes of age in post World War II northern England in the shadow of the shipyards. At home, Dom is caught between his wise mother and his rough working-class father. Outside, he's drawn between the lovely, artistic Holly Stroud and the bully Vincent. The Tightrope Walkers is a dark yet deeply compelling story.

Monster Needs Your Vote
picture book
Monster Needs Your Vote written by Paul Czajak | illustrated by Wendy Grieb

It’s election year and Monster is running for president. But what should be his platform? In Monster Needs Your Vote, author Paul Czajak introduces young readers to the political process and the importance of standing up for what really matters.

February
The Book With No Pictures
picture book
The Book With No Pictures written by B.J. Novak

Inject some fun into reading time with The Book with No Pictures, a playful and engaging read. Aimed at five to seven year olds, this book will show them how much fun they can have with the written word.

The Quiltmaker's Gift
picture book
The Quiltmaker's Gift written by Jeff Brumbeau | illustrated by Gail de Marcken

When a King is unhappy it can be next to impossible to cause him to smile. One talented and caring woman meets the challenge and she is rewarded for her sincerest efforts. She changes the life of the King and how he views possessions. This story does not have an immediate resolve as it takes you on a journey over several years to reach the meaningful goal. Your heart will appreciate the simple truth that is the essence of this thoughtful and beautiful book about "giving".

Wink Poppy Midnight
young adult
Wink Poppy Midnight written by April Genevieve Tucholke

Every story needs a hero, a villain, and a secret. Shy Wink, popular Poppy, and brooding Midnight form a triangle of lust, lies, and deception in April Genevieve Tucholke’s newest novel. Every action is driven by a secret, hidden motive and all Wink, Poppy, and Midnight can do is try to uncover each other’s motives before it’s too late; for nothing is as it seems, nothing can be believed, and no one is who you think. Fans of Michelle Hodkin and E. Lockhart will revel in the heady spiral of this twisted tale.

The White Cat and the Monk
picture book
The White Cat and the Monk written by Jo Ellen Bogart | illustrated by Sydney Smith

An Irish monk has devoted his life to the pursuit of truth through quiet contemplation and ceaseless study. He is about to discover, however, that he has a most unexpected and valuable teacher right under his nose – and his feet! The White Cat and the Monk is a beautiful retelling of a classic Irish poem.

The Hired Girl
young adult
The Hired Girl written by Laura Amy Schlitz

Joan Skraggs runs away from her rural Pennsylvania farm home in 1911 hoping that life has more to offer her than the drudgery of feeding her irascible father, coarse big brothers, and chickens. The gentile girl is hired by a Jewish family in Baltimore, where she has electricity, books, adventures, and—lucky for us—keeps a diary. The plucky girl explores work, love, feminism and more.

The Crown's Game
young adult
The Crown's Game written by Evelyn Skye

Imperial Russia is being threatened by both the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs. The tsar now needs a magical enchanter by his side to help him rule the country. Vika Andreyeva and Nikolai Karimov are both powerful enchanters – and the only two of their kind in Russia. To decide between Vika and Nikolai, the tsar begins The Crown’s Game, a centuries-old magical dual that will test the powers of both enchanters. The winner of the Game will become the next Imperial Enchanter; the other will be sentenced to death. Nikolai and Vika embark on the adventure of a lifetime as they fight to win the coveted position and fight their growing attraction to one another. Can they dodge the twists of fate and survive the Game or will they succumb to forces beyond their control?