“The friendships and relationships portrayed in this book are so gentle and lovely. While many coming-of-age stories focus on the difficulties facing its main characters, Alice Oseman instead hones in on the development of genuinely caring and compassionate friendships that support each other in their instances of struggle.” – Lucas, Access Services

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. A sweet and charming coming-of-age graphic novel that explores friendship, love, and coming out. Also now a show on Netflix!

“This book may be short in length, but its impact will be long lasting on any reader. 100% worth picking up and reading as soon as you can.” – Amanda, Adult & Teen Services

Erica Martin’s debut poetry collection walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement—from the well-documented events that shaped the nation’s treatment of Black people, beginning with the “Separate but Equal” ruling—and introduces lesser-known figures and moments that were just as crucial to the Movement and our nation’s centuries-long fight for justice and equality. Complete with historical photographs, author’s note, chronology of events, research, and sources.

“It was interesting to read this as they talk about what happened in Russia during WWII from two Russian children’s perspectives.” – Sandy R., Kids Room

Historical Fiction set in WWII, from two Russian children’s perspectives (B/G twins written as a diary entry). We are reading along with a Russian Officer (as he is making notes in the diary) who is deciding if the kids are innocent or guilty of war crimes.

“For 24 years I’ve walked past the Gilgamesh mural in the DG Library. I know very little about Gilgamesh other than it was one of the first written tales, and it was a fun way to learn about Gilgamesh’s feats and the mythology of Iraq. The threat of a plague shutting down a city felt very current. Also, warrior cats.” Sharon, Kids Room 

Sik Aziz is helping in the family deli when the Mesopotamian plague god Nergal crashes into the deli and demands the treasure Sik’s brother stole from him or he’ll unleash a plague in New York City. Ishtar, the goddess of War, her daughter Belek, and demi-god Gilgamesh help Sik in his quest to save his parents and the city from a terrible plague in this Rick Riordan Presents novel.

“Medieval Juvenile historic fiction rarely leaves England. I knew very little about the plight of Sephardic Jews and the Inquisition. Gail Carson Levine explores a story that is close to her family’s history and I found it hard to put down.” – Sharon, Kids Room

Paloma, a Sephardic Jew lives Alcala de Henares, Spain in the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Loma is very smart, and her grandfather (Belo) is Don Joseph Cantala, a businessman who is respected by both Jews and Catholics. Loma travels with Belo and learns the art of trading. She also meets Christopher Columbus and Princess Isabella who tries to convert Loma to Catholicism. Loma is clever and loyal and she helps lead her people out of Spain when Jews had three options: leave Spain, convert, or be killed. Ceiling Made of Eggshells is an excellent historical novel.

“The author has created a fascinating world of African mythology and African American tales and I think this book is even better than the first. The book is good but the audiobook is exceptional. Amir Abdullah’s narrating skills will have you spellbound. Available in eAudiobook and Playaway only.” – Sharon, Kids Room

A few weeks after the events of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (2019), Tristan is back at his grandparent’s farm when he receives a dire warning from Alke, “He’s coming!” Tristan uses his well-honed storytelling skills to get back to Alke, and discovers the evil Shamble Man capturing the gods and goddesses of Alke and slowly destroying them (and their stories). It’s up to Tristan and his friends from Alke to stop the Shamble Man.

“This documentary has stunning visuals and I felt transported watching the desolate soil come alive again. My entire family enjoyed watching this portrait of life on a big little farm.” – Gracie, Kids Room

Molly has a dream of starting a farm, growing everything she can, and utilizing all traditional farming methods. The dream is set in motion when Molly and her husband make a promise to their dog. They seek investors and soon end up with 200 acres of abandoned land. What unfolds next is the awe-inspiring journey of growing their farm and forever seeking the fragile balance in nature.

“I was captivated by this story when my 5th-grade teacher read it to our class during our lunch hour. As a shy 10-year-old, I was drawn to Meg and all that she could do when she trusted herself.” – Cheryl, Circulation

Travel through space and time with Meg Murry, an awkward high school teen, her outcast younger brother, Charles Wallace, and their friend, Calvin O’Keefe as they face evil forces while trying to rescue her scientist father, who is being held prisoner on a newly discovered planet. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are there to assist Meg, but, ultimately, she will need to rely on her own abilities to save her father, her brother, and herself.

“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.

“The Unwanteds was a page-turner. Each adventure was exciting and how they used their powers was unique.” – DGPL Staff

In a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.

“This dragon story, set in contemporary Canada, delivers an alternate history offering both fantasy and modern-day social commentary. Heroes are not limited to one gender as proud men and women work side by side to change history.” – DGPL Staff

In modern-day Canada dragons and humans share a thirst for fossil fuels. There have always been dragons, and protecting hometowns has produced a lineage of proud dragon slayers. Armed with only a sword, his legacy, and his bard, Owen, proud dragon slayer of Trondheim, faces the fight of his young life.