“This book is fun, action-packed, filled with adventure, sweet, and a little creepy…just like middle-grade boys. Perfect for those of us who still get worried about those monsters under the bed.” – Gracie, Kids Room

Clark just finished 4th Grade but he still sleeps with stuffed animals every night, a lot of them, and always arranged in a particular way. He thinks of them as his protectors and as it turns out…he’s absolutely right. His MDA (monster defense army) comes into play in a big way after a mysterious package arrives for his father. It’s all up to Clark to protect his dad despite his mom’s attempt to break him of his stuffed animal obsession.

“Amos! And Avasarala. The characters are all pretty great; nobody is perfect and they all have their own personal issues. The series (books 1-8 so far) is sort of like a space-based A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin), with the chapters following different characters – but don’t worry, the books are released at a much quicker pace. If you enjoy TV adaptations, we’ve been enjoying that as well.” – DGPL Staff

It’s the space-future, and the human residents of Earth, Mars, and The Belt in space are totally at odds with each other. Then things take a hard turn for the even-worse, as some sort of unimaginable and terrifying alien weirdness is re-awoken. And the humans STILL can’t get along.

“The perfect light-romantic read for nerdy Renaissance Faire fans. Simon is your everyday English teacher hero who is very much the guy next door, and Emily is a lovely relatable heroine.” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

Emily is just in town to take care of her older sister who’s a single mom recovering from a car accident when she gets wrangled into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire with her 14-year-old niece. Local English teacher Simon is the grumpy leader of the troupe, who dresses up as a pirate to Emily’s tavern wench character. Hilarious in-character flirty dialogue ensues.

“With a strong female protagonist and great character development, this book reminded me of Outlander. I’m not normally a fan of fantasy, so I didn’t think I would like the book, but I ended up loving it.” – Amy, Adult & Teen Services/Kids Room

The main character is an auto mechanic who also happens to be a shapeshifter. Other characters include werewolves, vampires, witches, and gremlins

“I love Nancy Bilyeau’s ability to show a beautiful story, peppered with a few thrills that keep the reader guessing until the last few pages. Her evocative setting of early 20th century New York is a perfect escapist read!” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

Peggy Battenberg is more known for her famous last name than for her love of books and independent streak. Born into a high society New York family at the beginning of the 20th century, Peggy falls in love with a humble artist, but her family may behind the mysterious murders that keep happening at the new amusement park of Coney Island, attempting to drive her and her lover apart.

“I happened upon this book, thought “well, this looks weird”, and set it aside to look at later. It turns out that the entire thing is a brain game, and I love puzzles! It’s clever and unique and totally new to me, and the code even follows a format similar to actual Chinese writing.” – DGPL Staff

At first glance, this book is filled with fancy Chinese calligraphy strangely accompanied by artistic images of traditionally American themes (baseball games, apple trees, and cowboys?). But look closer, and it turns out it’s all written in code, and in English!

“This book was recommended to me by one of our patrons, and it was fantastic. The author does an excellent job of creating real characters in this very timely story about immigration. This book is a hidden gem.” – Nancy, Adult & Teen Services 

Solimar is an undocumented Mexican immigrant who crosses the border and arrives in Berkeley, California exhausted and pregnant. Kavya is an American living a comfortable life in Berkeley who struggles to get pregnant. Their lives intersect when Solimar is placed in immigrant detention and Solimar’s son is placed in Kavya’s care.

“Very engaging book from the start with two very well developed characters” – DGPL Staff

An amazing story of two very different 5th grade girls during the Chernobyl Power Station Disaster and how that one night changed their lives forever. The book also covers part of the grandmother’s life during WWII.

“The tagline sold me immediately, “Mix between Lord of the Rings and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Don’t let the horrible cover keep you away from this fantasy series.” – Traci, Kids Room

Magiere and her partner, the half-elf Leesil, are ready to hang up their weapons and settle down in a place they can finally call home. But their newfound peace will not last—for Magiere has come to the attention of a trio of powerful and dangerous vampires who know her true identity and they will stop at nothing to keep Magiere from fulfilling her destiny.

“This book has unicorns and rainbows, both literally and figuratively. Not only is this book fun and super cute, but it also has a wonderful message about love and acceptance. Just thinking about this book makes me want to read it all over again!” – Van, Adult & Teen Services

An adorable unicorn named Kelp is born to a family of narwhals.

“The illustrations are beautiful!” – Traci, Kids Room 

Gorgeously illustrated picture book put to the lyrics of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

“It was a fascinating read, but also extremely practical and uplifting, even for those of us who are terrible listeners!” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

Kate Murphy has done an excellent job explaining how the lack of good listeners in our society is taking a real toll on our ability to form communities of understanding one another. This book had some very practical advice on how to be a better listener and how to form bonds with others by active listening to understand the other rather than to be understood. Example: curiosity. How often do we ask questions because we’re curious about the other person–truly curious? Or ask someone to stop and clarify in a business meeting or department meeting because you didn’t fully understand what they said? Murphy cites several incredible contemporary listeners, crediting their outstanding ability to hear not just what the other person is saying, but also what they are not saying, as indelible to their career success. A must-read!

“News clippings, pictures, and music lyrics of the times bolster this heartfelt narrative.” – DGPL Staff

The Trilogy includes Countdown, Revolution, and Anthem. Each book takes the reader through the not-too-distant past, told in the voice of a young person facing the perilous decade head-on.

“Count Rostov, the beating heart of this book, is universally appealing in his humane-ness, his loyalty, his quiet erudition, and his self-effacing charm. Great characters, a surprisingly twisty story, and beautiful language combine to make this a classic!” – Fred, Adult & Teen Services

Talk about your champs of social distancing! In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest (as an unrepentant aristocrat) by a Bolshevik tribunal. The novel is the story of how he spends the next fifty odd years isolated in a simple attic room in a Moscow hotel. Full of history, character, wit and tenderness – a lot happens in that circumscribed world of his!

“This adorable picture book was barely in my hands before my not-yet-reading preschooler daughter grabbed it from me and announced “I can read this one by myself, Mama”. The bright gorgeous illustrations of trains, houses, and where the mouse is hiding on each page was a joy to read together.” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

A short lovely rhyming book that is perfect for the 2-5 set. A little mouse is hiding on each page, exploring the different colored trains, houses, and other little items that are a delight for little ones to explore together with a caregiver or in a teaching setting.