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PICKS

Looking for something new? Find your next read with the library's specially curated Staff Picks collection! Staff members from all departments of the library share their favorite books, movies, and music online and in the library for patrons to pick up.

Look for Staff Picks on a shelf in the lobby near the elevator, or in the stacks marked by a special "Staff Picks" sign.
Check this page each Wednesday for weekly recommendations
Visit the library's social media accounts:
Facebook, Instagram (@DownersGroveLibrary), or Twitter (@DGlibrary)

Follow and use the hashtag #DGPLreads to keep up with the freshest picks by DGPL staff.

Hot Topics:
the african american experience & Anti-Racism

The African American Experience in America: Adult Readers

Printable Version

Anti-Racism Starts At Home: Younger Readers

Anti-Racism Starts At Home: Grade School Readers

Anti-Racism for Teens

Celebrate pride month

LGBTQIA Resource Guide

Pride Teen Books

Pride Middle School Books

Pride Picture Books

Beach Reads

Monthly Picks: DELICIOUS reads

Weekly Recommendations

Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan Van Ness

August 5, 2020Adult, Audiobook, LGBTQ+, Memoir/Biography, Nonfiction, Staff Picks

“I absolutely loved listening to Van Ness’ audiobook. I could not get enough of him in the series, Queer Eye. His joy for life just radiates and his quippy lines stick with you. I am really just amazed by his ability to turn his pain int...

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

July 29, 2020Adult, Book, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks

“I loved how layered and complex the characters and relationships are. This short book packs a powerful punch, taking readers on a funny, weird, and poignant ride!” – Van, Adult & Teen Services Lillian, who has no experience taking car...

Stuffed by Liz Braswell

July 22, 2020Book, Fantasy, Kids (Grades 3-4), Staff Picks

“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 4...

The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey

July 15, 2020Adult, Book, Science Fiction, Staff Picks

“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 ...

Well Met by Jen Deluca

July 8, 2020Adult, Book, Romance, Staff Picks

“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 to...

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs.

July 1, 2020Adult, Book, Fantasy, Staff Picks

“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/Ki...

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell

June 24, 2020Adult, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Staff Picks

“An absolutely fascinating look at why it’s so difficult to know the ‘other'” – Julie, Administration Why are we so bad at making sense of the words and actions of people we don’t know? Malcolm Gladwell has a well-researched, engrossing ...

Dreamland by Nancy Bilyeau

June 17, 2020Adult, Book, Historical Fiction, Staff Picks

“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...

Look! What Do You See? An Art Puzzle Book of American & Chinese Songs by Xu Bing

June 10, 2020Arts/Culture, Book, Kids (Grades 3-4), Nonfiction, Staff Picks

“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 foll...

Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran

June 3, 2020Adult, Book, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks

“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 Ser...

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

May 27, 2020Book, Historical Fiction, Kids (Grades 5-6), Staff Picks

“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 foreve...

Dhampir by Barb and J.C. Hendee

May 20, 2020Adult, Book, Fantasy, Horror, Staff Picks

“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 re...

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

May 13, 2020Book, Fantasy, Humor, Kids (Grades 1-2), Staff Picks

“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 ov...

With a Little Help from My Friends by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, & Henry Cole (artist)

May 6, 2020Book, Picture Book, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks

“The illustrations are beautiful!” – Traci, Kids Room Gorgeously illustrated picture book put to the lyrics of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why it Matters by Kate Murphy

April 29, 2020Adult, Book, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Teens (Grades 9-12)

“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...

The Sixties Trilogy by Deborah Wiles

April 22, 2020Book, Historical Fiction, Kids (Grades 5-6), Kids (Grades 7-8), Staff Picks

“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 voi...

Legally Blonde, Strictly Ballroom, Baby Boom

April 15, 2020Adult, Humor, Movie, Romance, Staff Picks

“I was looking for something light and funny during these stressful times. All three of these movies, which are available to stream on Hoopla, fit the bill. They made me smile and laugh and provided a nice escape from the events of the o...

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

April 8, 2020Adult, Book, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks

“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 m...

Life Will Be the Death of Me…And You Too! by Chelsea Handler

April 1, 2020Adult, Audiobook, Humor, Memoir/Biography, Staff Picks

“I’ve followed Handler’s career for years now, and her very in your face, no holds barred, no filter comedy has always been funny. This book, however, is brutally honest, insightful, sensitive, and hilarious. One minute I was laughing, t...

Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin & Blanca Gomez

March 25, 2020Book, Picture Book, Staff Picks

“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 ...

Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

March 18, 2020Adult, Book, Mystery & Thriller, Staff Picks

“Peter Swanson is a great writer of Hitchcockian suspense and his newest book, Before She Knew Him, doesn’t disappoint.” – Lora, Adult & Teen Services Artist Henrietta “Hen” Mazur is convinced her next-door neighbor Matthew Dolamore is a...

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

March 11, 2020Adult, Book, Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Staff Picks, Teens (Grades 9-12)

“Morgenstern’s poetic prose is what shines through in this multilayered story that weaves between Zachary’s story and the folkloric stories within the book he’s found. This is a novel that will completely sweep you off your feet.” – Aman...

Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea & Zachariah OHora

March 4, 2020Book, Humor, Mystery & Thriller, Picture Book, Staff Picks

“I loved this witty take on what can be an embarrassing situation for little ones. Reuben the bear has such great friends that help him come to terms with who really wet his pants. No need to be ashamed because accidents happen!” – DGPL ...

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

February 26, 2020Adult, Audiobook, Memoir/Biography, Staff Picks

“As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride is… an audiobook, of a book, about a movie, based on another book. A quote from the original work, The Princess Bride by William Goldman, might put it best: “This is...

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

February 19, 2020Book, LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Staff Picks

“I loved the complex, flawed, yet lovable characters! The two writing styles of Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera complimented each other so well. They struck a wonderful balance between romantic and awkwardly adorable, and the ending wa...

Second Sight by Aoife Clifford

February 12, 2020Adult, Book, Mystery & Thriller, Staff Picks

“I love mysteries with a great sense of place, especially when they are set in Australia. Second Sight doesn’t disappoint on that count. It’s also a great read-alike for the novels of Jane Harper.” – Lora, Adult & Teen Services Second Si...

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

February 5, 2020Book, Fantasy, Kids (Grades 5-6), Kids (Grades 7-8), Staff Picks

“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 att...

Akin by Emma Donoghue

January 29, 2020Adult, Arts/Culture, Book, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Staff Picks

“Donoghue’s writing is delightful, unexpected, and a joy to read. If you’ve never picked up a Donoghue novel (author of Room), this is a great one to start!” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services 80-year-old Noah discovers that he’s last next of ...

The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston

January 22, 2020Book, Fantasy, Kids (Grades 7-8), Staff Picks

“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.” – DGP...

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

January 15, 2020Adult, Book, Romance, Staff Picks

“Before I picked up The Unhoneymooners, I had read several more serious books, and I was looking for a change. The Unhoneymooners was just what I was looking for…a cute, fun, lively, romantic escape from everyday life. I loved the charac...

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig by Chris Kurtz

January 8, 2020Adventure/Survival, Book, Kids (Grades 3-4), Staff Picks

“Flora is an adorable character, who is brave and kind. There are many funny situations, and themes of loyalty and friendship are explored.” – DGPL Staff Flora is a plucky pig who dreams of becoming a sled-pig. (sled-dog) Miraculously, s...

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

January 1, 2020Adult, Book, Horror, Staff Picks

“This book is downright creepy and has a likable main character in Mouse.” – Misty, Adult & Teen Services Mouse has been asked by her dad to clean out her dead grandmother’s house. The problem is that grandma was a hoarder, and that isn’...

Little Santa by Jon Agee

December 25, 2019Book, Holiday, Holiday, Picture Book, Staff Picks

“A charming but not too cutesy story about Santa’s childhood origins. A fun addition to a holiday storytime out loud read for ages 3-5.” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services What was Santa like as a kid? Author Jon Agee tells a marvelous tale of...

Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

December 18, 2019Adult, Book, Romance, Staff Picks

“I loved Georgina’s voice. The last twelve years of her life have been a series of bad dates, miserable jobs, and disappointment. She doesn’t give up. In fact, she sticks up for herself and doesn’t take prisoners doing it.” – Sharon, Kid...

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

December 11, 2019Adult, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Staff Picks

“Daisy Jones & the Six is one of the best and most memorable audiobooks I have ever listened to! Written as a transcribed oral history, this book lends itself perfectly to the audio format. Narrated by a star-studded full cast of 21 narr...

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

December 4, 2019Book, Fantasy, Picture Book, Staff Picks

“This book became a fast favorite and bedtime staple in our house! My 2-year old loves pretending to eat and make mooncakes with Little Star, and I can relate all-too-well to my own Little Star sneaking out of bed. This book is equal par...

Recursion by Blake Crouch

November 27, 2019Book, Science Fiction, Staff Picks, Teens (Grades 9-12)

“Crouch creates very well-defined characters, with a modern twist on time travel and how it impacts the nature of reality.” – Karen B., Adult & Teen Services In modern-day, people are able to go back in time to a specific memory and make...

Michigan vs. The Boys by Carrie S. Allen

November 20, 2019Book, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Teens (Grades 9-12)

“Michigan is a strong young woman who will do anything to keep playing the game she loves. This book is full of relationships that feel authentic and shows the power of asking for help from your support system.” – Amanda, Adult & Teen Se...

Please Don’t Be Dead by Fantastic Negrito

November 13, 2019Adult, CD, Staff Picks

“It’s soul, it’s funk, it’s blues, it’s Fantastic!” – Kelly, Kids Room This two time Grammy winner connects with the audience and contemporary issues like none other that I’ve heard. The title comes from a near fatal car accident that ...

Learning to See by Elise Hooper

November 6, 2019Adult, Book, Historical Fiction, Staff Picks

“I loved the fact that the book touched on the major events in Lange’s life and that it was an overview of her whole life rather than just a period. I was also so glad to see some of her photographs included. An engaging read that made m...

Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans

November 1, 2019Book, Fantasy, Humor, Kids (Grades 3-4), Staff Picks

“The accident notwithstanding, this is unexpected and fun. It’s filled with riddles and is laugh out loud funny. Wed Wabbit is seriously evil and the Wembly Woos are drippingly sweet. Lissa Evans does not disappoint and I rooted for Grah...

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

November 1, 2019Adult, Arts/Culture, Book, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Staff Picks

“Clever and immersive, learned and witty, I was drawn into Eco’s ingenious story and warmly drawn characters.” – Fred, Adult & Teen Services In 1327, scholar-monk Brother William of Baskerville is sent to an isolated Italian abbey to inv...

I Thought My Father Was God by Paul Auster

November 1, 2019Adult, Arts/Culture, Book, Humor, Memoir/Biography, Nonfiction, Staff Picks

“I am obsessed with people’s stories and backgrounds and the inner workings of America, especially from years ago.” – Brian, Public Relations I Thought My Father Was God gathers 180 personal, true-life accounts in a single, powerful volu...