Books, Movies, CDs

Critical hits : writers playing video games

794.809 /Critical
Nonfiction, Memoir

A wide-ranging anthology of essays exploring one of the most vital art forms on the planet today. From the earliest computers to the smartphones in our pockets, video games have been on our screens and part of our lives for over fifty years. Critical Hits celebrates this sophisticated medium and considers its lasting impact on our culture and ourselves. This collection of stylish, passionate, and searching essays opens with an introduction by Carmen Maria Machado, who edited the anthology alongside J. Robert Lennon. In these pages, writer-gamers find solace from illness and grief, test ideas about language, bodies, power, race, and technology, and see their experiences and identities reflected in--or complicated by--the interactive virtual worlds they inhabit. Elissa Washuta immerses herself in The Last of Us during the first summer of the pandemic. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah describes his last goodbye to his father with the help of Disco Elysium. Jamil Jan Kochai remembers being an Afghan American teenager killing Afghan insurgents in Call of Duty. Also included are a comic by MariNaomi about her time as a video game producer; a deep dive into "portal fantasy" movies about video games by Charlie Jane Anders; and new work by Alexander Chee, Hanif Abdurraqib, Larissa Pham, and many more.

I found this collection of essays while looking up if ICPL had the game "Disco Elysium" (we don't), but I'm glad I got to learn about so many other games that I now want to play! -Annie

When women were dragons : a novel

Kelly Regan Barnhill

FICTION Barnhill Kelly
Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+

"Alex Green is a young girl in a world much like ours. But this version of 1950's America is characterized by a significant event: The Mass Dragoning of 1955, when hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales and talons, left a trail of fiery destruction in their path, and took to the skies. Was it their choice? What will become of those left behind? Why did Alex's beloved Aunt Marla transform but her mother did not? Alex doesn't know. It's taboo to speak of. Forced into silence, Alex nevertheless must face the consequences of this disturbing event: a mother more protective than ever; a father growing increasingly distant; the upsetting insistence that her aunt never even existed; and helping to raise a beloved younger girl obsessed with dragons far beyond propriety. In this timely and timeless speculative novel, award-winning author Kelly Barnhill boldly explores rage, memory, and the forced limitations of girlhood. When Women Were Dragons exposes a world that wants to keep women small-their lives and their prospects-and examines what happens when they rise en masse and take up the space they deserve"--

This is a searing feminist novel that explores female rage through a lens of magical realism. This book really shines in its exploration of female relationships, especially between Alex and her family. They love each other deeply, but that love is often tempered by resentment or fear or secrecy, and Barnhill does a great job depicting that complexity. -Chelsea

Life is strange. Double exposure

VIDEO GAME Switch Life

"Two timelines. One impossible mystery. When Max Caulfield finds her friend Safi dead in the snow, she tears open the way to a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive...and still in danger! With her new power to Shift between two timelines--can Max solve and prevent the same murder?"--Container.

A fascinating new adventure in the Life is Strange universe, taking place 10 years after the first game! Max is now a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University and rediscovering her powers as she travels between alternate timelines. -Violette

What to cook when you don't feel like cooking

Caroline Chambers

641.5 /Chambers
Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Health

"With three little boys less than two years apart and a packed schedule as an online creator, Caroline Chambers often doesn't feel like cooking. Inspired by her wildly popular Substack newsletter of the same name, this book is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner--in fact, each one is a complete meal: protein, veg, starch, done! The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together something or a little bit more time on your hands, dinnertime is totally doable. On top of that, Caro gives you more ways to choose, so you can search by protein (chicken thighs waiting in the fridge? Make White Chicken Chili. Nothing but beans in the pantry? Cannellini Caprese with Burrata is it!) or mood (Tomato Farrotto is perfect for a cozy craving, and Crunchy Honey Harissa Fish Tacos are an excellent way to show off). Most importantly, these recipes include Caro's famously extensive swaps, riffs, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two"--

This book is great! I like making bulk meals on Sundays so that I can have lunch for the week. I'm not so much a sandwich gal; I like my soups and grains and baked veggies. The first thing I made was a Tater Tot Egg Bake, which was so easy that I had time to clean the kitchen while it was baking. Usually, my Sunday batch cooking means Monday kitchen cleanup. But not with the tot bake! I'm also keen on trying their garlicky grains, featuring greens, farro, and sausage, and their one pot "squash-ta." They have a nice section on ingredients to keep on hand, as well. This book is perfect for working people who don't want to spend their leisure time toiling over the stove. -Melody

A pocket full of rocks

Kristin Mahoney

jE Mahoney
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

"A sweet and soulful celebration of how a child's imagination can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary treasures. You can do a lot with a pocket full of rocks... "

Sweet, beautiful, and just the right length for sharing. What can you do with a pocket full of rocks? Watch for this one at a BookWalk near you soon! -Casey

This is how you lose the time war

Amal El-Mohtar

SCIENCE FICTION El-Mohtar, Amal
Fiction, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future. Except the discovery of their bond would mean death for each of them.

The relationship between Red and Blue reveals the false dichotomy of nature vs technology. As they write to each other, Red finds the humanity within the machine, and Blue observes the algorithms that govern the natural world. I could spend ages thinking about this book. The strands of this world have been woven into my veins. -Chelsea

Toto

Hyewon Yum

jE Yum
Kids, Picture Books

A little girl, self-conscious about her birthmark named Toto, worries her school friend will see her differently when her birthmark is revealed but is pleasantly surprised by her friend's reaction.

Hyewon Yum is one of my favorite author illustrators and her new story is a delight! Be sure to check out all of her other books and the Hazel Westgate Collection in the Children's Room to see one of her beautiful originals. -Casey

Save our souls : the true story of a castaway family, treachery, and murder

Matthew Pearl

910.452 /Pearl
History

In this true story, on December 10, 1887, the Walker family's shark fishing boat was split in two by a storm, and they awoke in the morning on an island inhabited by a ragged man named Hans who seemed helpful but had a dark secret.

Save Our Souls is a shipwreck survival book. It has all the elements of a thrilling adventure--being lost at sea, foraging on a deserted island (in this case one of the Midway Islands), and faction-based mutiny. But there is a twist. Someone is already on the island that makes things far more complicated--he knows the island, but why is he there by himself? And there is also the context of the late-19th century. Pearl deftly explains the economics and politics of a European shark fishing boat in the middle of the Pacific.It is a fascinating read. -Anne M

Waifs and Strays

Helen Harper

OverDrive Audiobook
Fantasy, Romance

Nobody is just a cat lady. Kit McCafferty's life is quiet, unremarkable, and filled with cat hair. In the magical city of Coldstream, located on the border between Scotland and England, Kit is viewed as little more than mildly eccentric and mostly harmless. She passes her days caring for her family of five cats, feeding the local feral moggies, and maintaining relatively good relations with her neighbors. All that changes, however, when a teenage werewolf shows up at her door in the desperate hope of renting out a nearby vacant flat. Kit knows that the smart move is to tell him to leave. The last thing she needs is to become embroiled in complicated shapeshifter politics. But something about the secretive young werewolf tugs at her heartstrings. It's not long before Kit ends up caught in a maelstrom of mysterious crime and magical wrong-doing. Fortunately, there's far more to Kit McCafferty than meets the eye and she has a few dark secrets of her own. Of course, anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that you underestimate a cat lady at your own peril.

I haven't picked up a Helen Harper novel for a few years, but I used to burn through her books like nobody's business. Her characters are cheeky and irreverent, getting into all sorts of hijinks and having a range of magical abilities. She is one of my favorite urban fantasy writers, and while the person reading her audiobooks has a rather thick alto brogue, it is well worth training your ear for a listen. -Melody

A sorceress comes to call

T. Kingfisher

SCIENCE FICTION Kingfisher, T.
Fiction, Fantasy

"From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes A Sorceress Comes to Call--a dark reimagining of the Brothers Grimm's "The Goose Girl," rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic. Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn't have any doors between rooms--there are no secrets in this house--and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don't force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren't evil sorcerers. When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother's next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother's plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family." --

The characters in this book really shine, especially Hester. I love that one of the co-protagonists is a grumpy, disabled old woman, and that she uses her wit and cleverness to win the day. There are some real moments of horror in this book as well, and they were vivid enough to make me shiver. -Chelsea

Smelly Peggy

Helen Stephens

jE Stephens
Kids, Picture Books

Meet Peggy--a very naughty dog who gets into a lot of trouble. Some of the things she loves doing: leaping on the bed in the morning and sticking her hairy bottom in Dad's face. Sweeping her human family off their feet with her favorite sticks. And most of all, rolling in everything stinky and smelly she can find! And that's not even the naughtiest thing she does . . . But do you think her family loves her anyway? Open the windows for this happy, bighearted story about a beloved puppy named Peggy--a story that delights in the smelly but cherished canine family members that we couldn't do without.

Pet owners will be charmed and feel seen while reading this funny book about all the ways Peggy, an adorable terrier, is naughty and annoying. Interactive text makes the book a great read-aloud, as does the straight-shooter narrator, a red-haired little girl, who frankly discusses gross doggy behaviors. The highlight of the bright, fun illustrations are the dog's adorable facial expressions on each page. -Anne W

Balatro.

VIDEO GAME Switch Balatro

"Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos"--Container.

This is highly addictive and unique poker-themed roguelike with a low learning curve, great for long flights. It also won Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game, and was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. Playing on the Nintendo Switch might be a more mindful option, if you find that you get addicted to phone games easily. -Annie

The serviceberry : abundance and reciprocity in the natural world

Robin Wall Kimmerer

581.6 /Kimmerer

In The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer reflects on the practice of harvesting serviceberries and the concept of reciprocity central to Indigenous wisdom. She contrasts this with the dominant economic system rooted in scarcity, competition, and resource hoarding. Kimmerer highlights how the serviceberry tree, by sharing its abundance with its ecosystem, embodies a model of interdependence and mutual support. This ethic of reciprocity, she argues, shows us that true wealth arises from relationships, not self-sufficiency, and encourages us to reimagine our values in a way that nurtures both people and the planet.

Kimmerer has written another gem of a book. Though not as hefty in nature as Braiding Sweetgrass, this tiny book has some provocative ideas based on understanding reciprocity in nature, being part of a gift economy (which does not necessarily need to be scaled up). This book really highlighted what it means to be content with having enough, while also appreciating everything nature provides for us, with never asking for anything in return. When we take stock in everything nature "does" for us, we are more inclined to revere it and may tend it a little more carefully. When we buy from a store, the process is transactional. When we take a zucchini from our neighbor's free stand, make zucchini bread, and pass a loaf to another neighbor, we have created an authentic connection. This was a beautiful, hopeful read. Pro tip: you can likely get it right away on our Express shelf and easily be able to read it in the two weeks needed. -Victoria

Dare to bird : exploring the joy and power of birds

Melissa Hafting

598.022 /Hafting
Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"Melissa Hafting is an ethical, passionate, and respected birder, photographer, and mentor. Her love for birding has helped shape who she is and has helped with her mental health, along with enabling her to cope with the difficult aspects of grief and loss after the death of her mother and father. Showcasing some of Melissa's most stunning bird images from the continental United States, Hawaii, and Canada, Dare to Bird explores the joy that birding and photography has brought to her life and how both have allowed her to foster meaningful connections with young birders from diverse backgrounds, along with the conservation community, eco-travel advocates, rare bird enthusiasts, and ethical wildlife viewing practitioners in order to preserve bird habitats that are constantly under threat. At the same time, she is determined to expand birding to include more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), women, and LGBTQIA+ through youth outreach and talking about the barriers (racism and sexism) she herself has faced in her journey to become part of the birding community"--

Okay. I'll admit it. I just checked this book out for the pictures. When did I get into birds? Probably at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when I would sit and stare out the window all the time. The Merlin Bird ID app taught me to appreciate all the different bird songs around me, and now, I just like looking at photos of beautiful birds. When I'm reading a book set in the British Isles and puffins make their way into the text, I tend to imagine the penguins I've seen at the zoo. But a puffin is not a penguin! And a book like Dare to Bird shows me the delightfully bright beak of a bird who lives half a world away. -Melody

Can't spell treason without tea : a cozy fantasy steeped with love

Rebecca Thorne

SCIENCE FICTION Thorne Rebecca
Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Romance

"All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters ... all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen's private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn't so easy. But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she's thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibly -- all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town nestled in the icy tundra near dragon country, and open the shop of their dreams. What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm's biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other ... and the world."--Back cover.

So many romance novels are about the opening stages of a relationship, and it was really refreshing to watch Reyna and Kianthe navigate the conflicts that can arise in an established relationship. Thorne does a great job balancing the cozy atmosphere with intriguing political drama and world building. The sequel, "A Pirate's Life for Tea," was also a great read, and I'm excited to see what else this series has in store later this year! -Chelsea

It's hard to be a baby

Cheryl B. Klein

jE Klein
Kids, Picture Books

While adults assume life as a baby is easy, a young child sympathizes with babies and recognizes that life as a baby is harder than it seems.

Such a sweet, funny story, with gorgeous, diverse illustrations of babies and families. Get this for new parents and new babies in your life! -Anne W

The favorites : a novel

Layne Fargo

FICTION Fargo Layne
Fiction

"She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family's support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating-and each other-to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end. As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the "real story" through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines"--

If you are counting down the days until the next Winter Olympics, explore the drama and determination of getting a gold in The Favorites. It is filled with drama. It's a nod to Wuthering Heights, but with ice dancing. There are the figure skating rivalries, the international intrigue, the off-rink backstabbing, the on-rink backstabbing, the oscillation of love and hate between partners, and many angry walks through the rain. Honestly, there is too much drama. This book is packed with it. But I don't care--I enjoyed it. It was a great winter distraction. -Anne M

The comfy cozy witch's guide to making magic in your everyday life

Jennie Blonde

133.43 /Blonde
Nonfiction, Crafts, Health, Nature, Religion

"From the host of the beloved podcast The Comfy Cozy Witch comes an accessible two-color illustrated guide resonant with cozy fall vibes, featuring spells, recipes, meditations, and practices to bring good magic into your daily life. Whether you're a novice curious about witchcraft but aren't sure where to start, or a seasoned witch interested in deepening your practice, this warm, accessible, and nurturing interactive guide shows you the way. The Comfy Cozy Witch's Guide to Making Magic in Your Everyday Life combines the practical charm of The Little Book of Hygge with the down to earth wisdom of The Spell Book for New Witches and the practical advice of Grimoire Girl, Drawn from decades of popular podcaster Jennie Blonde's experience, she shares seven tenets to help you begin and develop your own authentic practice."--

I was drawn to this cover the moment I eyed this book on the shelf! It has a beautiful and welcoming embroidered look to it. I'm enjoying how accessible Blondie makes dipping ones toes into spiritual mysticism. I am usually such a techno-realist, but this is the year I start loving crystals and meditation again. This is a self-care book in its essence, a way to practice mindfulness while focusing respect on the natural world all around you. -Melody

Quiet girl in a noisy world : an introvert's story

Debbie Tung

BIOGRAPHY Tung, Debbie
Diverse Characters, Graphic Novels, Memoir

This illustrated gift book of short comics illuminates author Debbie Tung's experience as an introvert in an extrovert's world. Presented in a loose narrative style that can be read front to back or dipped into at one's leisure, the book spans three years of Debbie's life, from the end of college to the present day. In these early years of adulthood, Debbie slowly but finally discovers there is a name for her lifelong need to be alone: she's an introvert.The first half of the book traces Debbie's final year in college: socializing with peers, dating, falling in love (with an extrovert!), moving in, getting married, meeting new people, and simply trying to fit in. The second half looks at her life after graduation: finding a job, learning to live with her new husband, trying to understand social obligations when it comes to the in-laws, and navigating office life. Ultimately, Quiet Girl sends a positive, pro-introvert message: our heroine learns to embrace her introversion and finds ways to thrive in the world while fulfilling her need for quiet.

Debbie Tung's "Quiet Girl in a Noisy World" presents an accurate depiction of the role that anxiety plays in the lives of highly sensitive people and how this introversion can, in turn, be embraced. I would recommend Tung's comic book memoir to anyone who is suffering from debilitating anxiety and wanting to find their quiet place in a noisy world. -Violette

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

VIDEO GAME Xbox Series X Indiana

Set in 1937, play as Indiana Jones and keep the Great Circle and its ancient power safe by staying one step ahead of the sinister forces also in pursuit.

One last favorite of 2024! "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is one of the most fun games I've played in a long time. It really makes you feel like the famed archeologist, and it has a story that's better than the last two Indiana Jones films they've released. -Brian

Penguin Season 1

ON ORDER DVD
Action, Drama

Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb, a.k.a. the Penguin, makes a play to seize the reins of the crime world in Gotham.

This was my favorite TV series of last year. It has electric performances and sharp direction throughout. I highly recommend it. -Brian

Under cover of darkness : murders in blackout London

Amy Helen Bell

940.5341 /Bell
Nonfiction, True Crime

"Fear was the unacknowledged spectre haunting the streets of London during the Second World War; fear not only of death from the German bombers circling above, but of violence at the hands of fellow Londoners in the streets below. Mass displacement, the anonymity of shelters, and the bomb-scarred landscape offered unprecedented opportunities for violent crime. In this absorbing, sometimes shocking account, Amy Helen Bell uncovers the hidden stories of murder and violence that were rife in wartime London. Bell moves through the city, examining the crimes in their various locations, from domestic violence in the home to robberies in the blacked-out streets and fights in pubs and clubs. She reveals the experiences of women, children, and the elderly, and focuses on the lives of the victims, as well as their deaths. This groundbreaking study transforms our understanding of the ways in which war made people vulnerable-not just to the enemy, but to each other"--

Amy Helen Bell's exploration of murders during London's Blitz and blackout is staggering--a murder rate skyrockets when disruption to everyday life (and established law) happens. From fear, opportunity, and need to bombed out buildings, dark streets, and an overwhelmed police force, London faced much more than German bombs--they faced a threat from their own people. Bell does not revel in her subject's fates, but uses the book to show that the people of London were not as cohesive or resolved as we thought. -Anne M

The sinners all bow : two authors, one murder, and the real Hester Prynne

Kate Winkler Dawson

364.1523 /Dawson
Nonfiction, History, True Crime

"On a cold winter day in 1832, Sarah Cornell was found hanging in a barn, four months pregnant, after a disgraceful liaison with a charismatic Methodist minister, Reverend Ephraim Avery. Some (Avery's lawyers) claimed her death was suicide--but others weren't so sure. Determined to uncover the real story, intrepid Victorian writer Catharine Williams threw herself into the investigation and wrote what many claim is the first American true-crime narrative: Fall River. The case and Williams's book became a sensation--one that divided thecountry and inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. But the reverend was not convicted, and questions linger to this day about what really led to Sarah Cornell's death. ... In [this account], ... true-crime historian Kate Winkler Dawson travels back in time to 19th century small town America, emboldened to finish the work Williams started nearly two centuries before."--

Kate Dawson takes a deep dive into a historical death, using today's methods of investigation to deduce what happened. Along the way, she takes a look at another author who covered the same crime shortly after it happened (possibly the first American work of true crime writing, and one that Dawson clearly finds well-done and admirable), teasing out what their motives were. Dawson does a great job of being up-front with details and facts (which this librarian finds admirable!), while at the same time bringing an empathetic understanding to what was, and still is, a shocking crime. -Candice

Every dog deserves an adventure : amazing stories of camping with dogs

L. J. Tracosas

796.54 Tracosas
Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Travel

"From the backcountry to car camping, mountaintop hikes to beach-day hikes, learn how to keep your dog safe and happy while on an adventure. In Every Dog Deserves an Adventure, the Camping With Dogs team shares stories, photos, safety tips, and hiking bucket lists to inspire you to get outside and enjoy nature with your dog. From the Camping With Dogs team, Every Dog Deserves an Adventure encourages people everywhere to go on outdoor adventures with their dog. Whether it's camping or hiking, kayaking or skiing, dogs love spending time with their humans in nature. If you have a furry friend, it's time to go out and find a trail you both love. With stunning photography and heartwarming stories of how people got into camping with their dogs, this book is a love letter to dogs around the world, from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Organized by season, each section features photos with various types of dogs, hikes, terrain, and activities, as well as: -- Tips on camping with your pups -- A bucket list of great hikes and trips -- Key items you need to keep your dog safe and happy on the trail. Delighted dog lovers will learn the power of camping--how it strengthens family bonds and transforms relationships. On top of that, Camping With Dogs is partnered with local animal rescues to help adoptable dogs find their forever home, so your purchase will support rescue dogs and their mission to help dogs blossom out on the trail."--

Attention dog lovers! This book has gorgeous photos of canine companions on wonderous romps. The book is organized by season, featuring dogs enjoying spring wildflowers, summer lake jumping, and snowy runs. Check it out for the photography alone, or sit and share it with a young reader. The sentences are short and accessible for grades 3 and up. -Melody

Piranesi

Susanna Clarke

FICTION Clarke Susanna
Fiction, Fantasy

"From the New York Times bestselling author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, an intoxicating, hypnotic new novel set in a dreamlike alternative reality. Piranesi's house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house. There is one other person in the house-a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known. For readers of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane and fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, Piranesi introduces an astonishing new world, an infinite labyrinth, full of startling images and surreal beauty, haunted by the tides and the clouds"--

The atmosphere in "Piranesi" is so calming; the waves, the clouds, the statuary its a perfect balance of stillness and movement terrible secrets and inevitable knowledge- a stillness disrupted- reread and edit this -Chelsea

Atlas obscura : Wild life : an explorer's guide to the world's living wonders

Cara Giaimo

570 /Giaimo
Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Science

"From the bestselling authors of Atlas Obscura and Gastro Obscura, comes Wild Life, an over-the-top, dazzling collection of the world's most fascinating, most unusual, and least-understood natural wonders. It's more than a field guide--it's an adventure. From the curious minds of Atlas Obscura, authors of #1 New York Times bestselling Atlas Obscura and Gastro Obscura, comes an unputdownable tour through the world's most extraordinary natural wonders and curiosities. Learn how dung beetles navigate by the stars and trees communicate through their roots. Meet one of the strongest animals in the world: the puny peacock mantis shrimp. Visit a 44,000 year old shrub, float along flying rivers, and explore a garbage dump teeming with endangered storks. There are first-person interviews: hear from a honey hunter and his avian partners, a scientist working to understand the hidden language of prairie dogs, an offshore radio DJ who is at the heart of the local fishing community. Examine old examples of bird song notation written on sheet music. Featuring over 500 extraordinary plants, animals, and natural phenomena with illustrations and photos on every page, first-person interviews, and engaging infographics, the book takes readers around the globe, with stops in every continent--from Arctic deserts to lush jungles, to the deepest fathoms of the ocean, and into the heart of our densest cities. In a time where the world that feels more knowable than ever, where can access anything with the click of a mouse or a swipe of a finger, and where nature documentaries are a dime a dozen, Wild Life finds a way to reinvigorate our send of wonder about the natural world"--

This book is gorgeous! I am the lucky cataloger who got to see this book before the labels were delicately affixed and it was placed on the Hold shelf. This book is perfect for the curious, for those who love indulging in wonder. Pick this book up if you want your mind to take a walk on the wild side. -Melody

Super Mario party jamboree

VIDEO GAME Switch Super

"A party jam-packed with fun! 7 boards. 112 minigames. Get in the groove with 3 motion modes! Cook to the beat! Flap to fly! Roll to the goal! It's Bowser vs. the world in 2 online modes!: Koopathlon; Bowser Kaboom Squad"--Container.

This is a fantastic party game if you and your friends love boardgames and you're snowed in (even if you're by yourself)! I love the gameplay mechanics, unique twists that come with the different game venues, and cute but challenging minigames. Just make sure you set aside enough time for each game depending on the amount of turns you choose. Guaranteed hours of endless entertainment for kids and adults alike! -Annie

The Martian : a novel

Andy Weir

SCIENCE FICTION Weir Andy
Science Fiction

"Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive--and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old 'human error' are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills--and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit--he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?"

If you ever find yourself stranded on Mars, "The Martian" would be an excellent "how to survive" guide to keep on hand...plus a fully-fueled rocket to get you back home. This character-driven story is told with incredible wit and humor, despite the dire circumstances astronaut Mark Watney finds himself in. If you are looking for a book about surviving against the odds and the unbreakable human spirit, "The Martian" is the perfect read! -Madison C

The one hundred years of Lenni and Margot : a novel

Marianne Cronin

FICTION Cronin Marianne
Fiction

Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson has been told she's dying, but still has plenty of living to do. She lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. In their arts and crafts class she meets Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel. Their friendship blooms, and though their days are dwindling both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni's doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital's patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived: stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy. -- adapted from jacket.

Do you ever find yourself asking, "Is there a book that is capable of making me ugly-cry into a wad of tissues?" Well, "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot" will surely help. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this novel explores the power of friendship and the preciousness of life. A novel that will be sure to stay with you for years after reading! -Madison C

The sixth extinction : an unnatural history

Elizabeth. Kolbert

576.84 /Kolbert
History, Science

Provides a moving account of the disappearances occurring all around us and traces the evolution of extinction as concept, from its first articulation by Georges Cuvier in revolutionary Paris up through the present day. The sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy, compelling us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

Who would have thought that humans might actually be the problem? Elizabeth Kolbert, apparently. "Sixth Extinction" is a compelling, eye-opening read about the human-led "sixth extinction" event taking place before our eyes. Part-history on the evolution of the scientific understanding of extinctions, part-commentary on the extinctions actively taking place, this novel forces readers to ask the question: "What will be humankind's lasting legacy?" -Madison C

Jurassic Park : a novel

Michael Crichton

SCIENCE FICTION Crichton, Michael
Adventure, Science Fiction

On a remote jungle island, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur game park. But as always there is a dark side to the fantasy and after a catastrophe destroys the park's defence systems, the scientists and tourists are left fighting for survival.

A novel that further captivated readers since the release of the 1993 cinematic masterpiece (in this staff person's opinion), "Jurassic Park" is perfect for any reader who has long imagined what it would be like for dinosaurs to roam the Earth...and why cloning ancient dino-dna may not be the best plan. A story of dinosaurs sprinkled in with commentary of the downsides to greedy capitalism, "Jurassic Park" is a must-read! -Madison C

Anxious people : a novel

Fredrik Backman

FICTION Backman Fredrik
Diverse Characters, Humor, Mystery

Taken hostage by a failed bank robber while attending an open house, eight anxiety-prone strangers--including a redemption-seeking bank director, two couples who would fix their marriages, and a plucky octogenarian--discover their unexpected common traits.

As a self-proclaimed "anxious person," I can attest that this Fredrik Backman novel is perfect for readers looking for a relatable story that explores the complexities of being human in a world that won't stand still. With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, "Anxious People" is rich in humor, wit, and surprise twists. -Madison C

Boys in the valley

Philip Fracassi

FICTION Fracassi Philip
Horror

"St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys. Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania. Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family. Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides. Others turn up dead. Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives - and perhaps their eternal souls - are at risk"

If you thought the struggles of adolescence was enough to make you shudder, try mixing in a malevolent spirit and a setting where no one can hear you scream, and you have "Boys in the Valley." This novel is a gripping and suspenseful read that will speak to fans of dark, atmospheric horrors in a story that is "Lord of the Flies" meets "The Exorcist." A book to read with the lights on! -Madison C

The rise and fall of the dinosaurs : a new history of a lost world

Stephen Brusatte

567.9 /Brusatte
Nature, Science

A sweeping narrative scientific history that tells the epic story of the dinosaurs, examining their origins, their habitats, their extinction, and their living legacy.

For anyone who is still a child at heart and misses being asked what their favorite dinosaur is, "The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs" is the book for you! As someone who grew up wanting to be the next Dr. Alan Grant of paleontology, I can say with confidence that Steve Brusatte's book is the perfect fit for anyone fascinated by the wonders of paleontology and golden age of dinosaur discoveries. -Madison C

Vicious

Victoria Schwab

SCIENCE FICTION Schwab Victoria
Science Fiction

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates-- brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

If you're a fan of morally ambiguous main characters, superpowers in the real world, and destructive journeys of vengeance, "Vicious" is just the book for you! For any reader that is a fan of dark, action-packed stories that sprinkle in superheroes (and villains you can't help but root for). -Madison C

The way of kings

Brandon. Sanderson

SCIENCE FICTION Sanderson, Brandon
Diverse Characters, Fantasy

A new epic series by the best-selling writer of Robert Jordan's final Wheel of Time novels introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery and a woman who would save her impoverished house.

The first in a series, "The Way of Kings" is full of epic adventures, complex characters, and richly detailed world-building. Set in a world already in the midst of a war, readers will soon learn that there are far worse things on the horizon for the protagonists of Roshar. This high fantasy novel is full of acts of heroism, self-discovery, and the difficult choices people must make in times of crisis. "The Way of Kings" will transport any reader into this world of unforgettable characters. The Knights Radiant will stand again! -Madison C

Ender's game

Orson Scott Card

SCIENCE FICTION Card Orson
Dystopian, Science Fiction

A veteran of years of simulated war games, Ender believes he is engaged in one more computer war game when in truth he is commanding the last fleet of Earth against an alien race seeking the complete destruction of Earth.

In this classic novel, Orson Scott Card explores the complexities of war and the consequences of pushing the human spirit to its breaking point. "Ender's Game" is an unforgettable read about the costs of heroism and the value of compassion, told from the eyes of a child. -Madison C

Into thin air : a personal account of the Mount Everest disaster

Jon. Krakauer

796.522 /Krakauer
Science, Sports

Journalist Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that "suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down." He was wrong. The storm, which claimed five lives and left countless more in guilt-ridden disarray, would also provide the impetus for this epic account of the May 1996 Mt. Everest disaster.

A first-hand account of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster, "Into Thin Air" almost reads like a fiction novel, exploring the small decisions and unavoidable moments that led to the loss of five lives on the Nepal-side of the mountain. For readers who are drawn to stories about surviving against the odds and the unrelenting will of the human spirit, "Into Thin Air" will take you on an unforgettable journey on a quest to reach the world's highest peak, and the costs along the way. -Madison C

Social justice for the sensitive soul : how to change the world in quiet ways

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun

303.372 /Cheng-Tozun
Nonfiction, Self Help

"Social justice work, we often assume, is raised voices and raised fists. It requires leading, advocating, fighting, and organizing wherever it takes place--in the streets, slums, villages, inner cities, halls of political power, and more. But what does social justice work look like for those of us who don't feel comfortable battling in the trenches? Sensitive souls--including those who consider themselves highly emotional, empathic, or introverted--have much to contribute to bringing about a more just and equitable world. Such individuals are wise, thoughtful, and conscientious; they feel more deeply and see things that others don't. We need their contributions. Yet, sustaining justice work can be particularly challenging for the sensitive, and it requires a deep level of self-awareness, intentionality, and care"--

"Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul" is a wonderfully encouraging book that illustrates the ways in which highly sensitive and empathic individuals can make a difference in quiet and meaningful ways. I would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling that internal draw to social justice, but isn't sure how they can make a difference in a world that is often overwhelming and draining. -Violette

Bog Myrtle

Sid Sharp

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Sharp
Fantasy, Humor, Graphic Novels, Kids, Early Readers, Early Chapter Books, Picture Books, Animals, Nature

"From the acclaimed author of The Wolf Suit comes another weirdly hilarious, masterfully thought-provoking, and lushly painted early reader graphic novel. . . . Bog Myrtle is a witty modern folktale that touches on themes of capitalism, environmentalism, labor rights, and being a nice person."--

Bog Myrtle is a true forest treasure. Don't miss out and join Arachnid Local 175! -Casey

Every valley : the desperate lives and troubled times that made Handel's Messiah

Charles King

780.92 /Handel
History, Literary Nonfiction, Music

"The epic, dramatic story of the 18th century men and women behind the making of Handel's Messiah, one of the world's most beloved works of classical music, from a New York Times bestselling historian and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. George Frideric Handel's Messiah is arguably the greatest piece of participatory art ever created. Adored by millions, it is performed each year by renowned choirs and orchestras as well as by fans singing along to the lyrics on their cell phones. But this work of triumphant joy was born in an age of anxiety. Britain in the early eighteenth century, the so-called age of Enlightenment, was a time of war, enslavement, political conspiracy, social polarization, and conflicts over everything from the legitimacy of government to the meaning of truth. Contrary to popular belief, the Messiah was not the product of a lone genius scribbling furiously on a musical staff. It came about because of a depressive political dissenter; an actress plagued by an abusive husband; an Atlantic sea captain and penniless philanthropist; an African Muslim man held captive in the American colonies; and Handel himself, once composer to kings but, at midlife, in ill health and straining to keep an audience's attention. Set amid royal intrigue and theatrical scandal, and exploring the rich ideas of its day, Every Valley is a cinematic drama of the entangled lives that shaped a masterpiece"--

"It took a universe of pain to make a musical monument to hope." Charles King provides a riveting account of how Handel's Messiah came to be. -Anne M

Haunted ever after

Jen DeLuca

FICTION Deluca Jen
Fiction, Romance, Paranormal

"It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone's spirits in this new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca. Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn't have to run air-conditioning. Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there's something unusual with her new home (her laptop won't charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn't read "WRONG" and "MY HOUSE" when she put them up), she's charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order. As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she's in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing...and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good"--

This was a speedy read with likeable leads. I enjoyed seeing the love interests pair up to investigate a haunted home, with one of them going so far as digging into the local archives. House remodeling? Check. Historic cemetery? Check. It is winter as I write this, and I loved imagining the sweltering Florida sun while enduring frozen days here at home. I haven't seen a palm tree in ages! -Melody

When dogs work

Opal Sinclair

jE Sinclair
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals

"Rhyming text and bright color photographs introduce preschoolers to the many kinds of working dogs."--

What a lovely introduction to working dogs for preschoolers and younger. Vibrant photos and great rhyming text will make this a repeat read for dog lovers! -Casey

The house on the canal : the story of the house that hid Anne Frank

Thomas Harding

j940.5318 Harding
Kids, Nonfiction, History

"In the middle of Amsterdam, next to a canal, stands a tall, narrow house. It was built almost four hundred years ago and has served as a home, a warehouse, a stable, and most notably, a hiding place. Sometimes it was splendidly decorated, humming with life and love; other times, the narrow house stood empty, in near ruins. Sometimes its green door was open and inviting; other times, it was closed against cold and plague or to conceal the victims of wartime persecution. This is the story of an extraordinary building, a structure that Anne Frank called in the pages of her diary 'the old house on the canal.'"--

JUST GO AHEAD AND GIVE BRITTA TECKENTRUP THE CALDECOTT MEDAL FOR THIS RIGHT NOW! -Anne W

Scotland Yard : a history of the London police force's most infamous murder cases

Simon Read

364.1523 /Read
Nonfiction, History, True Crime

"A riveting true-crime history of London's first modern police force as told through its most notorious murder cases. The idea of "Scotland Yard" is steeped in atmospheric stories of foggy London streets, murder by lamplight, and fiendish killers pursued by gentleman detectives. From its establishment in 1829 through the eve of World War II, Scotland Yard--the world's first modern, professional, and centrally organized police force--set new standards for policing and investigating. Scotland Yard advanced ground-breaking use of forensics--from fingerprints to ballistics to evidence collection--made the first attempt at criminal profiling, and captivated the public on both sides of the Atlantic with feats of detective work that rivaled any fictional interpretation. Based on official case files, contemporary newspaper reporting, trial transcripts, and the first-hand accounts of the detectives on the beat, Scotland Yard tells the tales of some of history's most notorious murders--with cases that proved to be landmarks in the field of criminal inquiry"--Dust jacket flap.

You don't have to be addicted to BritBox or Acorn TV to want to enjoy this book, but if you are, then you might really want to check it out! The nitty gritty on the fabled London police force, combined with early cases that they worked on, makes for a very enlightening and entertaining read. -Candice

I'm afraid you've got dragons

Peter S. Beagle

SCIENCE FICTION Beagle Peter
Fiction, Fantasy

Dragons are common in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, coming in sizes from mouse-like vermin all the way up to castle-smashing monsters. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (who would much rather people call him Robert) has recently inherited his deceased dad's job as a dragon catcher/exterminator, a career he detests with all his heart in part because he likes dragons, feeling a kinship with them, but mainly because his dream has always been the impossible one of transcending his humble origin to someday become a prince's valet. Needless to say, fate has something rather different in mind...

If "The Last Unicorn" is about the ways in which we are irrevocably changed by the world, "I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons" is about having the courage to be yourself in spite of the external forces that try to shape you. The characters all have an assigned role, a person that they think they want to be, and the person that they need to be. It is delightful to accompany them on their (very much unexpected) journeys of self discovery. -Chelsea

The voyage home : a novel

Pat Barker

FICTION Barker Pat

"From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Regeneration Trilogy comes the powerful third installment to the Women of Troy series. I never saw Cassandra as a victim. I saw a woman as focused on a single aim as any raptor stooping to its prey; but then, I had more opportunities to observe her ruthlessness than most. I was in her power, you see. I was her slave." Pat Barker has crafted the latest in a brilliant reimagining of Greek mythology, and The Voyage Home is the work of a writer at the height of her powers. In this third outing, she follows the young Ritsa and the unpredictable Cassandra on their perilous return journey to Mycenae. Cassandra has acquired the powers of prophecy from the kiss of Apollo, but the very same god has taken away the people's belief in her abilities. Though she warns of the carnage that awaits the Greek warrior king Agamemnon-who numbs himself with alcohol on the storm-plagued trip home-her shipmates disregard her. While Cassandra's prophecies fall on deaf ears, Ritsa instead remains focused on surviving once they make land. When a mysterious young girl begins to shadow them, and Agamemnon's cruelty takes a new turn, Ritsa must find a safe place for Cassandra, whose mood alternates between cruelty and frenzy. But it's the ongoing ire between Queen Clytemnestra and Agamemnon that could prove fatal for everyone. In The Voyage Home, Barker elevates myth and legend and asks us to examine the stories we hold dear through a feminist lens, and in doing so she has crafted a tale that upholds her legacy as one of our finest contemporary novelists.

There is an anger in this book. Of course, there would be. This is the story of Agamemnon’s return home from the war in Troy—and of his demise. Told from the perspective of Clytemnestra, his wife, Cassandra, his war bride, and Ritsa, the slave of Cassandra and Trojan healer, they all have an axe to grind. Agamemnon has taken things from them: their children, their families, their freedom. This is the third book in Barker’s Trojan trilogy and it caps the series expanding on the themes of loss, patience, and revenge. Barker is scathing in her commentary on the lasting wrongs of the Trojan war—all with an eye on themes still very much relevant today. -Anne M

The language puzzle : piecing together the six-million-year story of how words evolved

Steven Mithen

417.7 /Mithen
Nonfiction, History, Science

"The emergence of language began with the apelike calls of our earliest ancestors. Today, the world is home to thousands of complex languages. Yet exactly how, when, and why this evolution occurred has been one of the most enduring--and contentiously debated--questions in science. In The Language Puzzle, renowned archaeologist Steven Mithen puts forward a groundbreaking new account of the origins of language. Scientists have gained new insights into the first humans of 2.8 million years ago, and how numerous species flourished but only one, Homo sapiens, survives today. Drawing from this work and synthesizing research across archaeology, psychology, linguistics, genetics, neuroscience, and more, Mithen details a step-by-step explanation of how our human ancestors transitioned from apelike calls to words, and from words to language as we use it today. He explores how language shaped our cognition and vice versa; how metaphor advanced Homo sapiens' ability to formulate abstract concepts, develop agriculture, and--ultimately--shape the world. The result is a master narrative that builds bridges between disciplines, stuns with its breadth and depth, and spans millennia of societal development."--Inside flap.

If you're like me, you've often lain awake at night, wondering how language came to be. As in, how did we take that step (more likely, steps) from whoops and grunts and hoots to making sounds that were intentional and imbued with meaning, and how did we get others to agree on those sounds and meanings, and how did we spread this newfound amazing ability, and how did it evolve? And so on. If you've had these thoughts, this book is for you. -Candice

Annihilation

Jeff VanderMeer

SCIENCE FICTION VanderMeer, Jeff
Fiction, Science Fiction

Area X has been cut off from the rest of the continent for decades. Nature has reclaimed the last vestiges of human civilization. The first expedition returned with reports of a pristine, Edenic landscape; the second expedition ended in mass suicide; the third expedition in a hail of gunfire as its members turned on one another. The members of the eleventh expedition returned as shadows of their former selves, and within weeks, all had died of cancer. In Annihilation, the first volume of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy, we join the twelfth expedition. The group is made up of four women: an anthropologist; a surveyor; a psychologist, the de facto leader; and our narrator, a biologist. Their mission is to map the terrain, record all observations of their surroundings and of one another, and, above all, avoid being contaminated by Area X itself. They arrive expecting the unexpected, and Area X delivers―they discover a massive topographic anomaly and life forms that surpass understanding―but it's the surprises that came across the border with them and the secrets the expedition members are keeping from one another that change everything.

Simultaneously dense and dreamlike, VanderMeer's prose is full of vivid detail and demands your full attention. For your effort you are rewarded with a fevered meditation on grief , identity, and the transitional ecologies of the human mind. -Chelsea

Samantha : an American girl holiday

jDVD American
Historical, Kids

A live-action movie based on American Girl's most popular character, Samantha! Every little girl will want to share Samantha's adventures in the bustling New York City of 1904. Samantha's prim and proper Grandmary is raising her to be a young lady, but her life starts changing the day she meets Nellie O'Malley, the servant girl next door. Though they come from different worlds, they become fast friends, facing happiness and sorrow, adventure and danger together.

As a kid, I grew up watching Samantha: An American Girl Holiday during the winter season, and I will certainly be reviving the tradition this year! -Violette

Be careful, Xiao Xin!

Alice Pung

jE Pung
Picture Books

Xiao Xin believes he is a red fire warrior but his family are always telling him to be careful. They believe the world is a dangerous place. Too dangerous for a little boy on his own. Can Xiao Xin inspire them to trust him?

He is the energetic boy who is always told by the grown-ups to 小心 (be careful). He is the big brother who encourages Little Sister to fall as she learns how to walk. Though his body is small, inside lives a big heart: a powerful and fearless Red Fire Warrior. In this lovely picture book. get to know the story of this spirited little boy, and listen to his heartfelt longing for independence and trust. This is a fully bilingual (not translated) book told in English and Chinese. Young readers will absolutely feel the resonance of self- identity, while grown-ups might get a little reminder that overprotectiveness isn’t always the best thing for little ones. -Fang

The legend of Zelda. Echoes of wisdom

VIDEO GAME Switch Legend

"Princess Zelda must use her wisdom to save Hyrule. Mysterious rifts are threatening the kingdom. No one is safe--not even Link! With Tri at her side, Zelda can summon a wide variety of echoes. Echo beds to create bridges. Echo meat to use as bait. Echo monsters to fight for you"--Container.

It only took 38 years for Zelda to star in a game in a series named after her, but it was worth the wait. Echoes of Wisdom focuses more on puzzles than combat making it a breath of fresh air. This was easily my favorite game for the Switch this year. -Brian

Come to the window : a novel

Howard A. Norman

FICTION Norman Howard
Historical Fiction

In 1918, amid war and pandemic, a Nova Scotia murder ignites a reporter's pursuit of the truth as his wife, a war surgeon, becomes unexpectedly entangled.

The book, set in 1918 Nova Scotia, are the journals of Toby Havenshaw, a court reporter who is assigned to cover a murder case. The accused, Elizabeth Frame, allegedly and admittedly murders her husband on their wedding night after he refuses to come to the window to see a beached whale. Elizabeth’s story gets pretty odd and as the story progresses and Toby uncovers more and more about the case, things start to shift for Toby. He feels the magnitude of the change of time—World War I, the Spanish flu, this murder—it is all catching up with him. And Amelia, Toby’s wife, a surgeon, is back from the front—working through her own fears and terrors. I think living during a time of immense change (I guess who hasn’t lived through immense change…), you feel an affinity with Toby and Amelia. This is one of those small, but mighty books. -Anne M

Alien. Romulus

BLU-RAY Alien
Horror, Science Fiction

While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alien and its sequel, Aliens, are some of my favorite movies of all time. Other films in the series that came out after have been very hit or miss. This sequel was BIG in the hit category. Taking place between Alien and Aliens, we're introduced to new characters who are running into the Xenomorphs for the first time. The movie is thick with tension and dread. Multiple cool, memorable sequences and likeable characters make this a great addition to the franchise. I think it's my favorite film of 2024! -Brian

The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy

Douglas Adams

SCIENCE FICTION Adams, Douglas
Fiction, Adventure, Science Fiction

This is the story of Arthur Dent, who, seconds before Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, is plucked off the planet by his friend, Ford Prefect, who has been posing as an out-of-work actor for the last fifteen years but is really a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Together they begin a journey through the galaxy aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a hilariously bizarre adventure! Be sure to pair with the BBC miniseries, which is complete with fun 80s special effects! -Violette

John Lewis : a life

David Greenberg

BIOGRAPHY Lewis, John

Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died. Greenberg's biography traces Lewis's life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the "conscience of the Congress." Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg's biography captures John Lewis's influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on "Bloody Sunday" in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom. --

I've read a few books on this American icon, but this one is by far is the most comprehensive. It is thoroughly researched and I learned even more about his life, work and getting into good trouble! -Victoria

A cozy winter day

Eliza Wheeler

jE Wheeler
Picture Books

"A community of forest animals celebrates all the wonder that winter offers"--

This is maybe the coziest picture book...ever? Lately I have been nostalgic for the classic Golden Book of my childhood, "The Biggest, Most Beautiful Christmas Tree," which features animal residents of a great fir tree in a thick forest cozily anticipating Christmas. This is the updated version featuring a cast of characters living in Acorn Village, with a more generalized, inclusive holiday celebration. This book is a sensory experience of sights, sounds, smells and the overall feeling of coziness as the animals partake in cozy activities such as cooking, reading, crafts, and playing in the snow. The rhyming pages and colorful animals with patterned pastel clothes and detailed, cozy homes complete with Pyrex dishware, softly lit candles, and built-in bookshelves in their snug animal dwellings is a wonderful feast for little eyes as they enjoy this story read aloud--preferably in a lap with a fuzzy blanket and hot drink. -Mari

Loud : accept nothing less than the life you deserve

Drew Afualo

158.1 /Afualo
Nonfiction, Self Help

Drew Afualo is best known as the internet's 'Crusader for Women' and is at the head of a new generation of entertainment's rising stars, with more than nine million followers across her social platforms. She soon realized that men on social media were creating sexist content aimed at disparaging women, and also containing rampant fatphobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry with very real-life consequences. It didn't take long for her to step into the role of unofficial watchdog for misogyny, and her signature laugh is now recognized as a feminist call to arms.Loud is part manual, part manifesto, and part memoir. It is a summoning cry to rid the internet (and our hearts, minds, and lives) of 'terrible men' and create a space to fight outdated patriarchal ideals. Above all, it makes it clear that behind Drew's fearsome laugh is a mission and a life philosophy, a strategy for self-confidence from the inside out, and a pathway to once and for all remove men from the centre of how women and fems think about themselves.

Stemming from her incredibly hilarious and inspiring TikTok account, Drew Afualo's Loud teaches us how to fight back against misogyny & the many injustices faced by women and femmes while being unapologetically ourselves. This book made me feel so empowered and I hope that it brings the same love and light to your life! "You are worth all of the love and respect you put out into the world, and you are destined to receive it." -Violette

Wildful

Kengo Kurimoto

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Kurimoto
Graphic Novels

"Discover the magic of the wilderness in this breathtaking graphic novel reminiscent of a modern-day The Secret Garden. Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness - if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer ... and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too - but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods - and in life? This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness - and in ourselves."--

This was a delightful read with sparse text, and incredible attention to detail in every illustration panel. Though very simply laid out, the author tackles the distractions in our daily lives, grief and the power of nature in healing us. This would make a great gift and is perfect for middle grade and up. -Victoria

Work : interviews with people doing jobs they love

Shaina Feinberg

j331.702 Feinberg
Nonfiction, Business

"New York Times columnists Shaina Feinberg and Julia Rothman take readers all over the world to explore the furthest reaches of passion and dedication in this collection of interviews. Meet a wildland firefighter, a surfer, a ferry captain, a designer of headscarves, an accessibility specialist, and many other real people doing the creative, fascinating, and often difficult jobs that make the world work. This ode to the wild and limitless range of job possibilities also includes thought-provoking questions designed to open conversations with young readers, as well as tips on how they might conduct an interview themselves"--Publisher.

I love hearing about people's cool or unexpected jobs, and this book is packed with 28 short, punchy interviews with diverse people doing an array of fascinating jobs. The illustrations are what really make this book; instead of real photographs, the interviews and quotes (just one spread per job, and a few short paragraphs of text) are accompanied by sweet and beautiful paintings of the subject at work. Ferry captain! Toy shop owner! Prosthetics maker! Street food vendor! -Anne W

Crows : an egg-to-sky story

Margaret Peot

j598.864 Peot
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"This book is an introduction to the natural history of crows for children and includes a brief discussion of the difference between crows and ravens, as well as other members of the crow family such as magpies and jays"--

Here is yet another gorgeous addition to the picture book nonfiction genre! Informative and digestible, Margaret Peot's "Crows: an Egg-to-Sky Story" is just right for sharing with young birders. -Casey

The hate u give

Angie Thomas

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Thomas Angie
Black Lives Matter, Fiction, Young Adult

After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died.

The Hate U Give is an incredibly powerful book that got me back into reading after finishing my graduate degree. It was during the Black Lives Matter movement and I found that this book really connected my love of reading with my passion for social justice. I believe that everyone should read The Hate U Give -- it's one of numerous titles in the ICPL's collection that has the power to change you. -Violette

Tidelands

Philippa Gregory

FICTION Gregory Philippa
Historical Fiction

Midsummer's Eve, 1648, England is in the grip of civil war between renegade King and rebellious Parliament. The struggle reaches to every corner of the kingdom, even the remote Tidelands - the marshy landscape of the south coast. Alinor a descendant of wise women, crushed by poverty and superstition, waits in the graveyard under the full moon for a ghost who will declare her free from her abusive husband. Instead, she meets James, a young man on the run and shows him the secret ways across the treacherous marsh, not knowing that she is leading disaster into the heart of her life. Suspected of posessing dark secrets in a suspicious country, Alinor's ambition and determination marks her out from her neighbours. But this is the time of witch-mania, when it is dangerous for a woman to be different....

I was in need of a good story and Tidelands fit the bill. Gregory always writes good characters and dialogue and knows her historical settings. You feel thrown in the moments on the page. -Anne M

The bright sword : a novel of King Arthur

Lev Grossman

SCIENCE FICTION Grossman Lev
Fantasy, Historical Fiction

"Collum, a brilliantly gifted young knight from the provinces, arrives at Camelot two weeks after the Battle of Camlann, hoping to compete for a spot on the Round Table. But he finds the city empty, King Arthur dead, and the Table destroyed. The remaining six knights aren't the mighty heroes, the legends, like Lancelot and Gawain and Tristram and Galahad. These are the survivors, a grab-bag of minor oddball knights from the margins--Sir Palomides, the Saracen Knight; Sir Bedivere, Arthur's one-handed longtime companion; Sir Dagonet, Arthur's fool, knighted as a joke; Sir Dinadan, a cutting wit who's hiding a deep secret. Arthur's death has exposed the splinters of his kingdom, and a void has opened in the heart of Britain. As power-hungry lords from the north descend on Camelot to seize control of the land, Collum is thrust into the front lines. Here lies the battlefield between pagans and Christians, fantasy and empire, power and destiny. Monsters and fairies are reawakening, the moral center is gone, and the fragile alliances that held Britain together are breaking. It is up to the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue, and young Collum to avenge Arthur's murder and save Camelot. Can they re-build the Table and bring back the glory that was Camelot? Should they even try? The first major Arthurian epic of the new millennium, full of duels and quests, battles and tournaments, magic swords and Fisher Kings, The Bright Sword is a story about power and hope, and the struggle for the soul of England between the new Christian God and the old gods of fairy. But most of all it's a story about flawed men and women full of strength and pain who are looking for a way to reforge a broken land, in spite of being broken themselves"--

I'm a huge fan of Grossman's "Magicians" trilogy, so I was very excited to dive into his new novel. It did not disappoint at all, and it's easily my favorite book of the year. It reimagines Arthurian legend and gives it great emotional heft. It follows the "leftover" knights after Arthur has fallen and fills in their backstories, while bringing a new knight, Collum, into the fold. I highly recommend to readers who enjoy Arthurian legend and those who know nothing about it all. -Brian

Godzilla minus one

DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Godzillz
Science Fiction

A disgraced kamikaze pilot returns to his obliterated house after witnessing an unbelievable attack on Odo Island. Rebuilding his home and life out of the detritus of the city, he takes in a displaced baby and the woman who found her, creating a family that gives him the courage to bring his neighbors together to fight when the monster returns to Japan while the citizens are already at their lowest point.

What works so well about Gozilla Minus One is that the creators understand that you have to care about the human characters in monster movies. They pull it off in spades too with an incredibly affecting story about grief, guilt, and found family. Also, the special effects are amazing, and they're even more impressive when you learn that the team that made it was tiny. -Brian

Hokuloa Road

Elizabeth Hand

MYSTERY Hand Elizabet
Fiction, Mystery

"On a whim, Grady Kendall applies to work as a live-in caretaker for a luxury property in Hawai'i, as far from his small-town Maine life as he can imagine. Within days he's flying out to an estate on remote Hokuloa Road, where he quickly uncovers a dark side to the island's idyllic reputation: It has long been a place where people vanish without a trace. When a young woman named Jessie from his flight becomes the next to disappear, Grady is determined - and soon desperate - to figure out what happened to her, and to all those staring out of the island's 'missing' posters. But working with Raina, Jessie's fiercely protective best friend, to uncover the truth is anything but easy, and with an inexplicable and sinister presence stalking his every step, Grady can only hope he'll find the answer before it's too late." -- From jacket flap.

Elizabeth Hand consistently writes interesting mysteries that have an uncanny weirdness to them, and in Hokuloa Road you get that plus the beautiful setting of Hawaii, with flora, fauna, customs, and lore. Our protagonist, Grady, is a laid-back good guy who gets the job of a lifetime, but soon finds himself enmeshed in a situation that seems to defy explanation, but requires him to keep sleuthing. There are many likable characters here, as well as a satisfying ending. -Candice

The Tea Dragon Society

Katie (Cartoonist) O'Neill

jGRAPHIC NOVEL O'Neill
Diverse Characters, Adventure, LGBTQ+, Graphic Novels, Kids

After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill introduces us to an incredible world filled with miniature dragons that, when loved and cared for properly, produce magical tea leaves. When these tea leaves are brewed and consumed, they have the power to share memories. Check out this trilogy for an incredibly heartwarming universe -- complete with a miniature tea dragon guide that I just adored! -Violette

Umami

Jacob Grant

jE Grant
Humor, Kids, Picture Books

"Umami is tired of eating cold fish. But fish is what the penguins eat. Fish for every meal and birthdays too. To find new exciting foods, Umami adventures across the sea and discovers flavors and spices that are inspiring! She has to share them. But will the other penguins share her love for these different foods?"--

Spicy is an adventure! -Casey

The Mesmerist : a novel

Caroline (Caroline Courtney) Woods

FICTION Woods Caroline
Historical Fiction, Suspense

"A tightly plotted page-turner ripped from the headlines of history, as three very different women must work together to stop a killer and save the truest home they've ever known"--

Set in 1894 Minneapolis, the backdrop is a new city, teeming with possibilities--and every vice that comes with that. Abby, a progressive crusader and treasurer of the Bethany House for Unwed Mothers is desperately trying to solicit donations and lobby city leaders to support the work of the respite home. She needs to shore up their reputation as their work might not have the support of the incoming mayoral administration. And then Faith shows up. Newly pregnant, unable to speak, wearing an expensive gown, and looking as if she survived a serious act of violence, Faith is welcomed into the house’s community. But she comes with rumors—rumors of the occult, of magic powers, of mesmerism and she is quickly blamed by the other girls in the house for any small misfortune. Abby wants to help the girl—that is her prerogative and the purpose of the Bethany Home. But she also doesn’t want Faith’s reputation to be a blight on their tenuous stance in Minneapolis. She tasks May, Faith’s roommate to figure out how Faith got to Bethany. The answer is far more human than supernatural. -Anne M

Mr. Lepron's mystery soup

Giovanna Zoboli

jE Zoboli
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

Stunning artwork from the acclaimed illustrator of The Midnight Fair illuminates a sweet cautionary tale about a rabbit whose fabled soup-making gets away from him.

Incredible artwork combines with a delicious story just right for the season. This is a picture book not to miss! -Casey

A little like magic

Sarah Kurpiel

jE Kurpiel
Picture Books

"Our young narrator doesn't like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn't like going places she's never been before. But she reluctantly agrees to join her mom at an ice festival, where they watch sculptors chisel and drill until it's too cold to watch anymore. That night the girl discovers that she has lost the horse figurine she'd brought with her, and she wishes she'd never gone . . . until the next night, when they return to the festival and see what the artists have created: sparkling, glorious sculptures that feel a little like magic. One surprise in particular seems even more magical to the girl. The ice art will stay with her long, long after it has melted away."--

A beautiful new picture book about a little girl and her mom enjoying the magic of an ice sculpture festival! This book will simultaneously make you want to go out and enjoy festive winter community events and burrow in a blanket nest to read. The illustrations perfectly complement the gentle, straightforward story in a palette of blue, purple, and white. Also, the author is a power wheelchair user, and the story's protagonist is a power wheelchair user, too - great disability representation in children's literature of just a kid being a kid, without ever explicitly mentioning disability, much less having the whole book focus on it. -Anne W

Kid gloves : nine months of careful chaos

Lucy Knisley

618.24 /Knisley
Graphic Novels, Health, Memoir

"If you work hard enough, if you want it enough, if you're smart and talented and "good enough," you can do anything. Except get pregnant. Her whole life, Lucy Knisley wanted to be a mother. But when it was finally the perfect time, conceiving turned out to be harder than anything she'd ever attempted. Fertility problems were followed by miscarriages, and her eventual successful pregnancy plagued by health issues, up to a dramatic, near-death experience during labor and delivery. This moving, hilarious, and surprisingly informative memoir not only follows Lucy's personal transition into motherhood but also illustrates the history and science of reproductive health from all angles, including curious facts and inspiring (and notorious) figures in medicine and midwifery. Whether you've got kids, want them, or want nothing to do with them, there's something in this graphic memoir to open your mind and heart."--Amazon.

Anyone who has been, was, is or is considering being pregnant will learn from and enjoy reading this graphic novel memoir. There are many, many books out there one can read to learn more about the do’s and don’ts when expecting, but I found this graphic novel to have a little bit of everything. It has a graphic history of female reproductive health and obstetrics, an honest and deeply moving portrayal of the 40-week journey into motherhood, in additional to a brilliant narrative with excellent illustrations. Knisley’s experiences through fertility/pregnancy/childbirth were not without issues, so I found this exploration of the most harrowing, primeval experience a human can go through to be a powerful read. Lucy Knisley is one of my favorite comic artists, and this is my favorite one by her so far. I am considering buying this one so my husband can read it when he has time! -Mari