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MCL Books

The Best Books of 2020

Multnomah County Library's guide to this year's great reads

Libro delgado y ligero, indestructible, muy colorido, y bilingüe para bebés.
Read Blyth B.'s full recommendation »
¡Hola, Granja!/Hello, Farm!
“Acompaña a Raúl III a recorrer los food trucks, explorando los detalles culturales de las imágenes intrincadas y ...”
Read Lucy I.'s full recommendation »
¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat
“Un compendio de frases y pequeños consejos fáciles de leer. Con recomendaciones para que "no te atores" en ...”
Read Mara B.'s full recommendation »
¡Ya supéralo!
“I love visiting the village of Kirrinfief in Colgan's wonderful and humorous romances. A long distance romance ...”
Read Laural W.'s full recommendation »
500 Miles From You
“Did you know the first woman to argue for herself in front of the Supreme Court was a Black woman? What I liked ...”
Read Lanel J.'s full recommendation »
A Black Women's History of the United States
I cried when I read this story of a girl who dies, becomes a ghost, and sees how her death affects others.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
A Breath Too Late
“Adults who are blithely indifferent and kids who intutively understand their parents' dereliction feature in the ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
A Children's Bible
“An elegantly written memoir offering a unique perspective on intergenerational trauma and resilience in Native ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
“Set in a magical version of Portland where some mythical creatures are valued and others are not. A great ...”
Read Amy C.'s full recommendation »
A Song Below Water
“What would you do to save a sister's life? I hear rumors that this great debut is being optioned. I'd love to ...”
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Young Aretha Franklin was a badass, truly the Queen of Soul.
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
A Voice Named Aretha
“In this Thai-influenced fantasy world, the struggle against an oppressive regime is inspired by Victor Hugo's ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
A Wish In The Dark
“A funny early chapter book set in London. Omar navigates everything from making friends at his new school to ...”
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
Accidental Trouble Magnet
A candid memoir about growing up Black and queer. Funny and compelling!
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
All Boys Aren't Blue
“This short but emotionally stunning book doesn't disappoint. Teens and adults who understand what "not fitting ...”
Read Alicia T.'s full recommendation »
Almond
“Great art and a good portrayal of what it's like to move to the U.S. are features in this book about a Korean ...”
Read Rita, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Almost American Girl
“We know Columbus didn't "discover" the Americas, but what is the Indigenous history that textbooks leave out ...”
Read Cathy C's full recommendation »
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People
“Based on true events and people, this is a brilliant account of two men, an Israeli and a Palestinian, who each ...”
Read Jim C's full recommendation »
Apeirogon
“I enjoyed the gentle way the main character, a Native American girl, learns more about both herself and her ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Apple in the Middle
“Powerful memoir in verse. The author tells his story and his ancestor's stories, revealing the impacts of ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
Apple: Skin to the core
“A runaway and a family acquaintance end up taking a road trip together, in this story about trauma and mental ...”
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Are You Listening?
“YUM! Recipes from Beijing-style pork noodles to Thai Lemongrass noodles, with mouth watering photographs and ...”
Read Susanne L.'s full recommendation »
Asian Noodles: 86 Classic Recipes From Vietnam, Thailand, China, Korea and Japan
“An intense and visceral examination of the ways we deal -- or don't -- with grief and trauma, personally and ...”
Read Christopher C.'s full recommendation »
Axiomatic
“A minor teenage rebellion followed by a sudden catastrophe sets in motion an absurd yet weirdly profound quest ...”
Read Christopher C.'s full recommendation »
Barn 8
“If "No! No! No!" is a familiar bedtime refrain in your house, this sweet, poetic ...”
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Intense graphic novel about abuses of interred Black men at Attica prison.
Read Darcee M.'s full recommendation »
Big Black: Stand at Attica
“Three Muslim women go on a road trip to the Scottish Highlands while dealing with their own personal crises ...”
Read Darcee M.'s full recommendation »
Bird Summons
“All of Flett's books feature gorgeous and sensitive illustrations, and this one is no different. She always ...”
Read Amy F.'s full recommendation »
Birdsong
“This book about two biracial brothers, one light skinned and the other dark skinned, explores racism and ...”
Read Jen M.'s full recommendation »
Black Brother, Black Brother
“At times dark, with a touching romance, set in a fascinating magical world. Boats powered by massive water ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
Black Sun
Vibrant and colorful illustrations mark this story of dreaming, celebration and magic. In English and Ojibwe.
Read Amy F.'s full recommendation »
Bowwow Powwow, Bagosenjige-niimi'idim
“To counter toxic masculinity, boys need different role models, and this book provides just that: short bios of ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Boy Oh Boy
A sad memoir about internalized homophobia.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Brave Face
“Illustrations and text celebrate many beautiful brown hues. A wonderful author's ...”
Read Sherita T.'s full recommendation »
Brown Sugar Babe
“Enjoy mellow, brightly-colored pictures that chronicle the lives of two bug friends. Nothing much happens, but ...”
Read Violeta G's full recommendation »
Bug Boys
“When we swat at a mosquito, we sometimes wish bugs would go away! But what do we stand to lose if bees ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Bugs in Danger: Our vanishing bees, butterflies & beetles
“Fight Club meets Alice in Wonderland meets Big Little Lies meets Witches of Eastwick meets Mean Girls meets a ...”
Read Christopher C.'s full recommendation »
Bunny: A Novel
Fairy tale for grownups.
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
Burning Roses
“The illustrations and explanations are great for gearheads of any age! This is a fun and engaging way to learn ...”
Read Jason H's full recommendation »
Cars: Engines That Move You
“This must-read for 2020 examines caste in three different countries: U.S., India, and Nazi Germany. The author's ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
“Malaise and sense of mounting dread permeate this story of a young woman who finds herself accepted into an ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Catherine House
Incredible! The descriptions put you in the moment.
Read Frankie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Cemetery Boys
“Scoob, who is Black, absconds with his White grandmother on a trip throughout the modern day South, discovering ...”
Read Ebonee B's full recommendation »
Clean Getaway
“This arrived just as we needed some inspiration for our pandemic pantries. Global inspiration, curated by the ...”
Read Mandy T.'s full recommendation »
Cool Beans
This is the science book I didn't know I was waiting for. So good.
Read Haley I.'s full recommendation »
Cosmos: Possible worlds
“A humorous, yet deeply poignant story of the author's loss of her mom to cancer. She captures the awkwardness of ...”
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
Dancing at the Pity Party
“Alaine doesn't know her reporter mom that well. She ends up going to Haiti to avoid getting expelled from school ...”
Read Sophie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine
“The sequel to Dread Nation mixes historical fiction with horror. I am down when you throw horror in - Civil War ...”
Read Alicia T.'s full recommendation »
Deathless Divide
“An incredible and well, deep, memoir. It covers ecology and humanity, ranching and animal husbandry, as well as ...”
Read Shani F.'s full recommendation »
Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country
Interconnecting stories about a female gamer, targeted by groups because of her gender.
Read Sophie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Don't Read the Comments
Oh! It's genius. I do not care about sports at all but I should after reading this book.
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
Dragon Hoops
“Read this. Listen to this. I loved it and hated it in the best possible ways. Maybe we can talk about our mutual ...”
Read Tama F.'s full recommendation »
Eat a Peach
“Efrén's world falls apart, when his mom gets deported after an ICE raid. Now he must care for his younger twin ...”
Read Jackie P's full recommendation »
Efrén Divided
Un clásico de la literatura. Un título complejo y filosófico que contiene mucha sabiduría.
Read Lucy I.'s full recommendation »
El principito
“I love this book because of the voice and the humor, mixed with interesting traditions and family dynamics. The ...”
Read Sara R.'s full recommendation »
Elatsoe
“From fungal computing to radical mycology, this clearly written account of the latest discoveries in the world ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
Entangled Life
Wow. I thought I was mad before.
Read heather e's full recommendation »
Entitled: How male privilege hurts women
“¿Quién quiere prepararse para irse a la cama cuando hay que jugar con los animales árticos ...”
Read Rebecca S.'s full recommendation »
Es hora de irse a la cama
“Lots of twists in this story about a family of monster hunters in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. I love ...”
Read Alicia T.'s full recommendation »
Family Business
“A sensitive portrayal that's very sweet and interesting. There's a love story, too! A Black, queer, trans artist ...”
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
Felix Ever After
“Highly discussable and beautifully written. Told as a flash-forward, the narrator warns readers of the hard ...”
Read Juliet M.'s full recommendation »
Fighting Words
Beautifully done, really good. I cried.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Flamer
A tale of friendship, family, independence and potential catastrophe! Along with humor and great illustrations.
Read Barbara H.'s full recommendation »
Fly On The Wall
“If you like getting sucked into setting, this memoir is for you. It's a love story about grief, loss, and ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
From Scratch
“A beautiful book of photography by Atlanta-based CreativeSoul Photography. The photographer does all the staging ...”
Read Ebonee B.'s full recommendation »
Glory
Season One Arrested Development vibes. Good audio, different perspective of what an affair can do to a family.
Read Hazel, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Goodbye From Nowhere
This posthumous memoir was a fun read.
Read Larry L.'s full recommendation »
Great Demon Kings: A memoir of poetry, sex, art, death, and enlightenment
“Un libro que demuestra la fuerza de las mujeres mexicanas y sus historias que no siguieron las normas de la ...”
Read Tanya B.'s full recommendation »
Había una vez mexicanas que hicieron historia
“Told from the perspective of Shakespeare's wife, and their son, who died young. The exquisite language and ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Hamnet: A novel of the plague
“If you liked Gideon the Ninth, you will want to snatch up this new tome with your withered little phalanges and ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
Harrow the Ninth
“I liked the illustrations in this engaging and informative handbook about mental health that included facts and ...”
Read Sophie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Heads Up: Changing Minds On Mental Health
“Heartwarming, cute art, coloring book too. Really spoke to me. So good. Really good representation, characters ...”
Read Frankie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Heartstopper
“The author reflects on the complexity, resilience and tenacity of the women she grew up around in this memoir ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Hill Women: Finding a way forward in the Appalachian mountains
“An engaging story about a curmudgeonly woman who decides to make a positive difference in the world near the end ...”
Read Ruth A.'s full recommendation »
How the Penguins Saved Veronica
“This carefully curated anthology of Indigenous voices feels like it is destined to be a classic. ...”
Read Ekatrina S.'s full recommendation »
How we go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America
“A positive and self-affirming book. The illustrator includes a wide variety of characters, including ability and ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
I Believe I Can
“Eddie has always wanted to learn more about her Native American heritage and may have the chance when she finds ...”
Read Jeannine G.'s full recommendation »
I Can Make This Promise
“Delightful romance set in Alaska with dogs! (Published by Ooligan Press and Multnomah County Library as part of ...”
Read heather e's full recommendation »
Iditarod Nights
“A great collection of short stories by a Black gay author who, sadly, died recently at age 57. The 10 stories ...”
Read Jim C.'s full recommendation »
If I Had Two Wings
Poetic, dealt with domestic abuse in a sensitive way. Cool crow symbolism.
Read Frankie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
If These Wings Could Fly
“Part cookbook, part memoir, this book transports you to eight homelands, giving you the honor of experiencing ...”
Read Mandy T.'s full recommendation »
In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers From the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean
A warm embrace of a book. Gorgeous illustrations celebrate the the outside world.
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
In My Anaana's Amautik
“Machado delivers an ethereal yet raw account of an abusive relationship using a mix of memoir, prose and ...”
Read Lori M's full recommendation »
In the Dream House
“A simply and powerfully told story. I love the young Umpqua protagonist's voice -- clear, poignant and incisive ...”
Read Ekatrina S.'s full recommendation »
Indian No More
Writing Is Magic!
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
Ink & Sigil
“You definitely want to read or listen to Zadie Smith's essays about the events we're living through in 2020 ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
Intimations
“Stories from Black millennials trying to live the American dream while coping with microaggressions, the crash ...”
Read Carla D.'s full recommendation »
It Was All A Dream
“A little kid doesn't want to go to bed but instead wants to play with many and varied animals of ...”
Read Barbara H.'s full recommendation »
It's Time for Bed!
“Robinson's writing, as always, is startlingly gorgeous. Jack, a drunk, has had the temerity to fall in love, and ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
Jack
Viaja con Juliet para descubrir más, desde el Bronx a Portland.
Read Leonora R.'s full recommendation »
Juliet respira profundo
“In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn ...”
Read Brianne W.'s full recommendation »
King and the Dragonflies
“Tres hermanos convergen en la casa familiar donde crecieron para decidir el destino ...”
Read Laura B's full recommendation »
La casa
“La historia narra la historia de un muchacho español que huyó a Chile durante la guerra civil española. En su ...”
Read Mara B.'s full recommendation »
Largo pétalo de mar
All about an abusive relationship and getting out of the cycle.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up With Me
“After the year we've had, we're all coming around to the realization that anything can happen. This novel is ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
Leave the World Behind
“A book about gentle and differently abled people, family love, and how we all get by in life. In short, a ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Leonard and Hungry Paul
The authors share different experiences and coping strategies about mental health. Positive and refreshing.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Life Inside My Mind
“Engaging, insightful, and great read or listen. There have been way too many books written about women's ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
Lifting as We Climb: Black Women's battle for the ballot box
“Kentukis are little automated dolls that live in your home, controlled by an anonymous-someone-else, possibly ...”
Read Hunter T's full recommendation »
Little Eyes
A police procedural with a dark underbelly.
Read heather e's full recommendation »
Long Bright River
“An illustrated history of how Black Americans left the terror of the south for the north and western America ...”
Read Laural W.'s full recommendation »
Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream
Libro de poemas cortos con bellas ilustraciones que proporcionan un momento de paz, calma y tranquilidad.
Read Leonora R.'s full recommendation »
Manos de primavera
“Poderosa historia de un niño maya-guatemalteco que huye hacia Estados Unidos en una travesía llena de riesgos ...”
Read Laura B's full recommendation »
Manuelito
“This poignant book by a Native author, told from a child's perspective, would be a great classroom read ...”
Read Rebecca S.'s full recommendation »
Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee removal survival story
“A beautiful book about gratitude with gorgeous photographs from Tea & Bannock, a collective of Indigenous women ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
May We Have Enough to Share
“In the words of Jim Carrey himself "None of this is real and all of it is true." You will not regret listening ...”
Read Susan T's full recommendation »
Memoirs and Misinformation: A novel
“This is my favorite mending book and the one I'm going to buy. If you think throwing away a clothing item and ...”
Read Shannon L.'s full recommendation »
Mending Life
“Sanna always feels like an outsider because she is half human and half mermaid. This beautifully written story ...”
Read Jody R's full recommendation »
Mermaid Moon
“Sharp essay collection that's a blend of memoir and cultural criticism, exploring everything from Richard Pryor ...”
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning
This girl is a witch, and they have to defeat a monster. The art is amazing, has a nonbinary character.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Mooncakes
“So joyful and fun and beautiful! I just love the artwork all in greens and pinks and browns. This is a great ...”
Read Kate C.'s full recommendation »
My Best Friend
Want to know what grooming looks like? So smooth you thought you were really in love.
Read heather e's full recommendation »
My Dark Vanessa
“Wacky characters, going through a bucket list as they travel through Florida after a hurricane. Funny, dark, and ...”
Read Susanne L.'s full recommendation »
Naked Came the Florida Man
“A book of gratitude to life-giving water, in Anishinaabemowin and English. Cartoon like illustration are sure to ...”
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
Nibi Is Water; Nibi Aawon Nbiish
“Cross-cultural alienation drives two brothers, French-born and half-Syrian, to radically different destinies ...”
Read Christopher C.'s full recommendation »
Older Brother
Fifteen short, joyful stories explore how families celebrate!
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
Once Upon An Eid
Did Every Heart a Doorway speak to you? This will too.
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
Over the Woodward Wall
“From midnight stakeouts of the world's largest owl to encounters with a myriad of Russian eccentrics, this book ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
Owls of the Eastern Ice: A quest to find and save the world's largest owl
“Un muro que nadie mira se convierte en el reflejo de una comunidad diversa y vibrante, gracias a la ...”
Read Laura B's full recommendation »
Oye Muro
“I loved the combination of humor with the deep research. Not...er, no pun intended... Kept me intrigued the ...”
Read Haley I.'s full recommendation »
Phallacy: Life Lessons from the animal penis
“Otherworldly, labyrinthine, philosophical, nestled somewhere between the literary and the darkly fantastic. I ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
Piranesi
“A groundbreaking, beautiful book. Finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Poetry and features the ...”
Read Stephen P's full recommendation »
Postcolonial Love Poem
“When Hanna, a multiracial girl, and her father relocate to the Dakota Territory she deals with racism as she ...”
Read Ruth A.'s full recommendation »
Prairie Lotus
“A novel in verse about a 16 year old who is wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit after getting in a ...”
Read Keli Y.'s full recommendation »
Punching the Air
“Examines how racism is embedded in technology we all use, from search engines to AI-powered beauty apps, showing ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Race After Technology
“Fascinating account from an investigative reporter who can't rest until he solves these mysteries before those ...”
Read Susanne L.'s full recommendation »
Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era
“Tarisai's mom would like her to grow up to murder the prince. Great thing to put on a kid right? Great debut ...”
Read Heidi S's full recommendation »
Raybearer
“Beautifully written book about the everyday cruelties people inflict upon one another - set in a college . A ...”
Read Gesse S.'s full recommendation »
Real Life
“The 4th in the series explores what it means to be overlooked because of your siblings, even if you are ...”
Read Rita, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Rebel
“A book about the Talking Heads that mentions David Byrne only in passing -- strange huh? It's still good though ...”
Read Larry L.'s full recommendation »
Remain In Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina
Libro de poesía ideal para adolescentes que quieren conectarse con su identidad.
Read Rachel P.'s full recommendation »
Resistencia: Poems of protest and revolution
“A near-future dystopia and Black superpowers. Kev is racially profiled by the police and his sister Ella has ...”
Read Alicia T.'s full recommendation »
Riot Baby
“Rosa Parks was an investigator into attacks on Black women, a big reason the Civil Rights movement started. She ...”
Read Lanel J.'s full recommendation »
Rosa Parks
“A full sensory experience that follows the life of a sea turtle from egg to ocean dweller. Great for preschool ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey
“Funny and weird and sacriligious and oddly educational--every chapter includes facts and a glossary of terms ...”
Read Haley I.'s full recommendation »
Saint Young Men
“Inspired by #SayHerName, Elliot celebrates Black women and girls in this poetry anthology addressing police ...”
Read Keli Y.'s full recommendation »
Say Her Name
“Un libro con ilustraciones hermosas para compartir en familia sobre la vida de la aclamada cantante de música ...”
Read Lucy I.'s full recommendation »
Selena, reina de la música tejana
A thoughtful anthology compiled by a poet who also wrote an astonishingly readable cookbook (Midnight Chicken).
Read heather e's full recommendation »
Set Me On Fire
“I love that this title was created collaboratively by some true Tlingit culture-bearers, and that the bilingual ...”
Read Ekatrina S.'s full recommendation »
Shanyaak'utlaax̲: Salmon Boy
“Un libro bilingüe sobre el arqueólogo peruano Julio C. Tello que promueve el orgullo ...”
Read Tanya B.'s full recommendation »
Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello/Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello
“When Sami's Lebanese grandmother seems to be descending into dementia, Sami learns that a trip into Silverworld ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Silverworld
“This history of the Black National anthem will tug at your emotions. Tells the story of how the anthem was ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
Sing A Song How "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Inspired Generations
“Simple? Check. One-bowl, no mixer needed? Check. Salty Caramel Peanut Butter Cake? Why are you still reading ...”
Read Mandy T.'s full recommendation »
Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings
“Is Snap's neighbor really a witch or just an interesting person? I enjoyed the illustrations--spanning from ...”
Read Amy C.'s full recommendation »
Snapdragon
“Un libro sobre la jueza Sonia Sotomomayor que narra la historia de su niñez viviendo con diabetes y los desafíos ...”
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
Solo pregunta! sé diferente, sé valiente, sé tú
“This powerful memoir is emotionally narrated, especially when describing the harrowing aspects of the race such ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
Spirit Run: A 6,000 Mile marathon through North American's stolen land
“Are you ready for some football riot? This satire of American society and protest culture is sharp, short, and ...”
Read Ross B.'s full recommendation »
Sports is Hell
“The conversational style makes this breakdown of racism and antiracism extra accessible for young people and ...”
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
“A girl gets bullied and teased for smelling like her parent's restaurant. What she really wants is to be a stand ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
Great worldbuilding in a story that incorporates a lot of spirituality.
Read Jere W.'s full recommendation »
Storm of Locusts
I identified with how he describes the assumptions that people make because of his disability.
Read Wren, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse
“This picture book ties into issues of colorism. A great starting point for those conversations, with beautiful ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
Sulwe
Character driven story with good worldbuilding
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
Sunshield
Wonderful chemistry, supportive characters, believable emotional processing.
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
Take a Hint, Dani Brown
“This hearwarming and inspiring story is about Collin, a teen whose counting compulsion results in bullying, and ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Th3 Brav5
“I enjoy reading about careers that I would never want to do. This inspirational memoir from a Black ER doctor ...”
Read Ruth A.'s full recommendation »
The Beauty in Breaking: a Memoir
15th-century love story. She writes a great series. Shows you have to follow your heart and not just wealth.
Read Rita, Teen Council's full recommendation »
The Betrothed
“Set in LA during the Rodney King riots in the 90s. It's similar to The Hate U Give, strong like that. It was an ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
The Black Kids
“The emperor claims that giving him a little bit of your life force is the only protection from a fallen evil ...”
Read Heidi S's full recommendation »
The Bone Shard Daughter
Sea-faring adventure, touch of magic, spies, interesting characters, a slow burn romance...
Read Heidi S's full recommendation »
The Bright and Breaking Sea
“If you find yourself at home with a toddler and nothing to do, look no further! Plus some bonus advice to help ...”
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
The Busy Toddler's Guide to Actual Parenting
“The souls of the five boroughs of New York City inhabit people and rise up against an otherworldly power that ...”
Read Rachael S.'s full recommendation »
The City We Became
“This is great historical fiction about two brothers involved in the labor union movement in 1909. It's hugely ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
The Cold Millions
“Theories about time travel: be careful what you wish for. If you change something in the past, it may have big ...”
Read Ryan, Teen Council's full recommendation »
The Do-over
“So. Much. Longing. This sweet historical romance features a headstrong (if a little awkward) heroine who knows ...”
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
The Duke Who Didn't
“An adopted slave girl turns out to be more powerful than she realizes when she becomes the first female ...”
Read Jody R.'s full recommendation »
The Empire of Dreams
“Haunting, elegant, and exquisitely wrought debut novella. A story of love and tragedy unfurls as a cleric ...”
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
The Empress of Salt and Fortune
“An absorbing memoir that interrogates commonly held ideas about sexuality, gender, family and identity. I read ...”
Read Gesse S.'s full recommendation »
The Fixed Stars
“Adunni has a remarkable voice from the beginning, and as she tells her story her voice truly becomes more ...”
Read Karen E.'s full recommendation »
The Girl With the Louding Voice
Science fiction romance but in a chill way, intersectionality, super good.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
The Gravity of Us
“Yes, in fact, this book is hilarious. But more importantly it's informative! This is a great read and or listen ...”
Read Susan T's full recommendation »
The Hilarious World of Depression
“Linus is a grey little man living a quiet and constrained life in a drab city when he is sent to review an ...”
Read Heidi S's full recommendation »
The House in the Cerulean Sea
“He's got this! Just really, really cute. Everything this proud kindergartener experiences at school is like a ...”
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
The King of Kindergarten
Magic takes your memories and Michael can't live without knowing why his father died.
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
The Kingdom of Liars
“Identity theft, family secrets, and the search for truth offer a parade of surprises in this Edgar Award winning ...”
Read Brian M's full recommendation »
The Less People Know About Us: A mystery of betrayal, family secrets, and stolen identity
“A sweeping chronicle of Anishinaabe life in the mid 20th century based on the biography of the author's ...”
Read Hunter T's full recommendation »
The Night Watchman
So good! The art is so beautiful. The characters are learning about witches in school, who are portrayed as bad.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
The Okay Witch
“In their predominantly white town, two Black 7th graders find journals that expose the race relations in their ...”
Read Brianne W.'s full recommendation »
The Only Black Girls in Town
“Intense blend of horror, suspense, and psychological thriller of four young men haunted by their past. Woven ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
The Only Good Indians
A bandit walks into a bar... Great author! Try her other stuff too!
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
“The complex, tangled bonds of family and the way human beings can be both profoundly cruel and surprisingly ...”
Read Jere White's full recommendation »
The Prettiest Star: A Novel
“Set during the "Spanish" flu epidemic of 1918, three women work to overcome the horrors of their situation ...”
Read Lori M's full recommendation »
The Pull of the Stars
“One of the founders of Black Lives Matter gives a timely overview of social justice movements, with all the ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
The Purpose of Power: How we come together when we fall apart
“Fans of A Place for Us and The Namesake - here's another complex story of families struggling to find belonging ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
The Royal Abduls
“This wonderful thriller is a deep dive into rural and small town Irish life. The main character is from Chicago ...”
Read Renee B.'s full recommendation »
The Searcher
Wonderful, surprising multiverse story. Great characters & excellent world building.
Read Rachael S.'s full recommendation »
The Space Between Worlds
“Illustrated with beautiful paintings by Kadir Nelson. The poem features Black Americans from history and ...”
Read Lanel J.'s full recommendation »
The Undefeated
“A suprising, emotionally-laden work with the primary characters all dealing with loss, longing, and regret. Much ...”
Read Rod M.'s full recommendation »
The Vanished Birds
“Identical Black twin sisters in the 1950s run away from their small, Southern town and take different paths, one ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
The Vanishing Half
“A fast-paced read. Two people meet on voting day when one goes to the wrong precinct. The characters suck you ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
The Voting Booth
A funny and playful story that explains how the walrus and caribou came to be. Kids will laugh!
Read Erika B.'s full recommendation »
The Walrus and the Caribou
“Hopscotches around a Jamaican American family tree, from Jamaica to Brooklyn and all points in between. Suspense ...”
Read Ross B.'s full recommendation »
These Ghosts Are Family
“Tracy is doing all she can to get her father off of death row, plus working for social justice while pursuing ...”
Read Ebonee B.'s full recommendation »
This Is My America
You never see the Japanese side of the story, and it was interesting to get that perspective.
Read Anna, Teen Council's full recommendation »
This Light Between Us
“Meet Kira Navárez. She has always dreamed of finding new worlds. Now thrust on an epic nightmare ride by an ...”
Read Elleona B's full recommendation »
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
“Tristan searches for Anansi to help repair a hole in the sky encountering gods of West Africa and an enemy ...”
Read Ebonee B's full recommendation »
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
“An incisive and critical account of Silicon Valley and San Francisco tech startups in the 2010s from the ...”
Read Hunter T.'s full recommendation »
Uncanny Valley
“Doyle, a Christian blogger and inspirational speaker, documents the changes in her life -- her divorce, coming ...”
Read Nancy P.'s full recommendation »
Untamed
“A classic noir tale with a vivid setting and very finely drawn characters. Viridiana is a tour guide in Baja ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
Untamed Shore
“This fantastic story of a fictional rock band in1960s London is woven with several of Mitchell's other titles ...”
Read Rachael S's full recommendation »
Utopia Avenue
A gritty story about the lives of women in 1970s Texas.
Read heather e's full recommendation »
Valentine
“Bryant is a passionate chef and advocate, and his work is deeply rooted in family. Luscious recipes, vivid ...”
Read Mandy T.'s full recommendation »
Vegetable Kingdom
“43 estudiantes secuestrados desaparecen sin rastro en un crimen no resuelto que dejó marcando y conmocionando al ...”
Read Lilia M.'s full recommendation »
Vivos se los llevaron: buscando a los 43 de Ayotzinapa
“Good news! We live in the best time ever for experiencing hearing loss. Learn why in this breezy (yet ...”
Read Ross B.'s full recommendation »
Volume Control: Hearing in A Deafening World
“Vibrant watercolors and lyrical words are poured across every page of this powerful picture book. A perfect read ...”
Read Melanie F's full recommendation »
We Are Water Protectors
“In 1986, learning about the Challenger launch brings three siblings together despite their family turmoil. A ...”
Read Jackie P.'s full recommendation »
We Dream of Space
“The Kindertransport (Children's Transport) managed to save 10,000 Jewish children from the Holocaust. Based on ...”
Read Ruth A.'s full recommendation »
We Had to Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport
“The Hair Claw is the best character in a book I have encountered in a long time. 1989 Massachusetts: a girls ...”
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
We Ride Upon Sticks
“This is a unique combination of an accessible, personal and yet scholarly story that talks about education ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
We Want to Do More Than Survive
“Charming collective narrative creates a fun and quirky look into a residential writing program. Characters so ...”
Read Juliet M.'s full recommendation »
We Wish You Luck
“With beautiful illustrations, this book about welcoming a new child to your family shows how it's a celebration ...”
Read Kyra H.'s full recommendation »
Welcome to the Party
“Beautiful photographs and simple text. A great read aloud for preschool aged ...”
Read Danielle J's full recommendation »
What's the Weather?
“This heartwarming story is about a family about to welcome a new child. The eldest brother is a ...”
Read Violeta G.'s full recommendation »
When Aidan Became A Brother
“Omar and his brother flee Somalia and wind up in Camp Dadaab in Kenya. They search for their mother and make a ...”
Read Ebonee B's full recommendation »
When Stars Are Scattered
“Set in South Africa, this is a story of an unlikely friendship. One character is super rich and at first not ...”
Read Sophie, Teen Council's full recommendation »
When the Ground Is Hard
Beautiful writing woven through with magical realism.
Read Barbara H's full recommendation »
When You Trap a Tiger
“Este título presenta al Chavo un personaje muy querido para muchos. Los niños van a conocer quién es el Chavo a ...”
Read Mara B.'s full recommendation »
Where Is? El Chavo
Still a hero despite it all. Note: story contains distressing descriptions of child abuse.
Read Heidi S.'s full recommendation »
White Trash Warlock
“I was totally sucked in by the worldbuilding of this fantasy about Ximena, who is able to weave moonlight, and ...”
Read Alison K.'s full recommendation »
Woven in Moonlight
It's funny and NSFW, exactly the book we need right now.
Read Sandy M.'s full recommendation »
Wow, No Thank You
“With vivid, often funny writing, a main character you'll love, and warm, sparkling conversations, this ...”
Read Diana A.'s full recommendation »
Writers and Lovers
“An essential chronicle of life under the Khmer Rouge by a storyteller and cartoonist of great expressivity and ...”
Read Hunter T's full recommendation »
Year of the Rabbit
A re-animated skeleton stars in this very funny graphic novel. Fun and heartwarming.
Read Kate C.'s full recommendation »
Yorick and Bones
“Includes infographics that explain difficult concepts like redlining, and gerrymandering. Also includes ...”
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
You Call This Democracy?
Great chemistry, steamy sex scenes, and a hilarious supporting cast make this romantic comedy a winner.
Read Kady F.'s full recommendation »
You Had Me at Hola
“Stunning illustrations accompanied by very sweet text. An ideal read for this time, discussing how we ...”
Read Barbara H.'s full recommendation »
You Hold Me Up
“Crisp, funny writing. Band kid Liz Lighty decides to run for Prom Queen because she needs the scholarship money ...”
Read Danielle J.'s full recommendation »
You Should See Me in a Crown
“Not a happy read, but one of my recent favorites. I got caught up in the point of view of the main character and ...”
Read Bruce J.'s full recommendation »
You Who Enter Here
“I liked this book because it comes from the perspective of a Native kid at Standing Rock and shows him ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Young Water Protectors: A Story About Standing Rock
It's so good! The messages that are in between the pages are very affirming.
Read Francesca, Teen Council's full recommendation »
Your Brain Needs A Hug
“After a child's teacher struggles to pronounce her name, the girl's mother explains the tradition of creating ...”
Read Cathy C.'s full recommendation »
Your Name Is A Song

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