Amy's Staff Picks
The young adult book I have been waiting for. This book delivers a coming-of-age reckoning with relevant issues and historical context all wrapped into a thrilling plot. Daunis has been walking the line between her white and Ojibwe heritage since she was born, she has become accustomed to living in two different worlds. When someone close to her is murdered due to meth activity on tribal lands she agrees to help in the investigation, though she takes care to protect the Ojibe land and people from outsiders who have taken advantage of her people in the past. Unfortunately she is not as careful with her own safety, and finds herself in a dangerous situation, where the people who were supposed to protect her prove they are less than they promised.
Vendela managed to perfectly capture the life and personal thoughts of a teen girl with out making the book too cringy. It is a gritty and compulsive tale that I quickly became addicted to. The blast to the past of 80's nostalgia twines perfectly with today, as I think we all put a glimmer on that "pre-tech" time and forget that it had its darkness too.
Cussy is a courageous woman, determined to blaze her own path against all odds. Growing up with blue skin in the apalachian mountains during the Great Depression. All she wants is the freedom to keep delivering library books to her fellow mountain people. But as with most women throught out history, her fate is not entirely up to her.
There are different sides to every story. In A Thousand Ships, Natalie Haynes gives voice to the women of the Trojan War, breathing new life into an over-done part of history. This book would be great for anyone who enjoyed of The Book of Longings, or The Dovekeepers.
Translated from French, this book is a love letter to booksellers and the written word. Juliette is an observant character, with a knack for knowing the impact specific books can have on a persons life. She uses this ability to break out of her own dull life and begin an adventure.
As sweet as the name suggests; the stories in this book may be tiny, but they hold an ocean of emotion. The word "love" is too often thought of in only the romantic capacity. And while romance can be found in these pages, it also explores many other meanings. My favorites are on pg. 6 and pg. 80.
If Portland in the 90's could be poured into one book, it would be Stray City. Chelsey Johnson has written a novel of the era, and it is so beautifully messy, you cant help but take it into your soul and hold it close for the rest of your life.
This is the kind of book that you dream about while reading it. Kirabo is a young feminist, raised to believe that women should be educated and strong, in a world that wants women to be silent and meek. In her search to find her mother, she will learn a lot about herself, and her countries folklore.
This book combines Anti-racist and feminist ideas into one amazing book that really makes you think about what it means to actively choose to fight for equality, and how we have to start by paying attention to the communities that are in the most danger. I have gotten asked by several customers which book, out of all the trending anti-racist/social justice books, I recommend they read. And while I will always say you need more than one perspective to get a full view, this book is a great start!
I love everything about this graphic novel! Fall into a new world, full of intriguing characters, and more than a little bit of danger. But be prepared to have some questions at the end- This is just the beginning of an incredible adventure.
A biography and history lesson rolled into one, this book is beautifully written, incredibly well researched, and full of the kind of history you didn't learn in school. Anyone who feels disconnected from their families culture will relate to Morgan as she walks back in time to trace the family traditions she grew up with back to their roots.
This is an anti-racist workbook designed for any one with race privilege. It is just one step to take, but it will help you reflect on your past experiences with racism, and look forward to a future where you can be a better ally. I would absolutely recommend this to every person I know who is ready to put in some real work to becoming anti-racist. With a reminder that this is just the beginning because if I learned anything from this book, it is that we have so much more to do!
Lyrical poems that will spark a lot of emotion, and maybe even a call to action. This little book is incredibly powerful! Makes for a great listen on libro.fm as well.
Immerse yourself in West African folklore with this unique high fantasy novel with amazing character development. CAUTION! this is a twisty book that will make you fall in love with both main characters, even as they fight to kill each other.
Historical Fiction at its finest. This book will transport you back in time to Rome’s occupation of Israel, with vivid descriptions and scenery. Ana may have lived in a different age, but her longing for a life of passion, words, and choices rings true today.
Mary Fury is a character so full of wonder, I found myself wishing she wasn't fictional. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between characters, and the beautiful scenery that the author describes. Some scenes are so vivid, you feel like they have happened to you.
This is a quick read that will help you practice the art of loving yourself fully. Kamal is a relate-able author and his story, while corny at times, rings with authenticity.
A witty outlook on high school, and what it means to stand up for yourself. All 6 of the girls in this book know how to get things done! This is also a great listen on libro.fm
Tired of adventure books about people who had no idea what they were doing? Caroline and her husband came across their share of close calls, and breath taking experiences, but there was never a doubt in my mind that they could handle anything the arctic wild threw at them. I loved Caroline's scientific descriptions of the birds they see along the way, as well as her introductions to the zany people they meet along the journey.
This book is a realistic and gritty look at what refugees face every day to find safety. Pulga, Chico, and Pequena are willing to travel thousands of miles to escape their reality in Guatemala, risking everything on the dreams they hope to find in America. It is a must reed for teens and adults alike!
A feel-good romance that features a hard-core female firefighter with a scaring past. Best read with a glass of wine! Reading this book gave me the same feelings as watching a really good rom-com.
When a very wealthy man mysteriously passes away at a fundraiser auction, he leaves behind a series of clues for anyone to solve and win part of his fortune. Tuesday and a host of friends, both new and old, race to solve the puzzle. But this book is so much more!!! A murder mystery, a ghost story, a guide to being a good friend.....Its hard to pinpoint all my favorite parts of this book. Every character has a fascinating backstory, there is just a hint of magical realism, and literary references (especially to Poe) abound.
Ginger's story about her life and working on a ranch in N.M. with convicts and abused horses is raw and deeply moving. I am not a horse person, but I cried reading this book. It has the kind of power to make you reconsider your life choices and where you have ended up. (In my case, how lucky I have been) Gingers relation to the land and her horses is remarkable, and I cant wait to get to see her speak again!
A terrific read, or listen on libro.fm. The author describes the landscape beautifully, bringing in the skills of the native Maori and talking about what it is like to live in poverty in a small town. This murder mystery kept me guessing until the very end.
An epic high fantasy that follows several different characters, throughout different points in time as they are all set to converge on the day of a solar eclipse. The fate of all of their worlds will be decided on this day. An incredible story and great listen on libro.fm, but definitely something you have to pay attention to avoid missing important details!
Hatchet meets Percy Jackson in this adventure, where Cree mythology comes to life. I listened to this book on Libro.fm and loved learning how to pronounce the Cree words that I otherwise would have failed at. Another unique feature is that there are actually good foster parents! (A true rarity in middle reader books)
An amazing collection of poetry for kids and adults. Lovers of Shel Silverstein will appreciate this clever and fun book that was sometimes so raw I found myself crying. My favorite is Museum on page 54!
This is a laugh-out-load guide to loving yourself, literally warts and all. Ariella doesn't hold back any details, and everyone with a body can relate to her discoveries, from excretions to seductions. Her funky illustrations are the cherry on top!
A historical mystery told in a series of letters from the perspectives of Estelita and her daughter. I knew nothing about the actress Estelita Rodriguez before reading this book, but what a fascinating life! This would be good for lovers of historical fiction, or biographies.
Not every scientist is very good at telling stories, but I have found that ornithologists are the exception- I loved learning about the ecology of the Russian forests, as well as the culture and people who live there. The owls themselves are fascinating too, I didn't realize there were owls this big!
This victorian-esque fantasy is like Bridgerton with witches. An easy escape into a different life, but have no fear, there is no cliffhanger at the end of this book.