Happy summer! Looking for a good book to read on the beach? By the lake? In a quiet airconditioned room? Our staff are here with recommendations for you!

Welcome to St. Hell by Lewis Hancox.

 Lewis Hancox’s graphic novel memoir about being a trans teen is told by him to his younger self and its full of humor, pain, and joy. I really love how the characters (including his parents) break the fourth wall to talk about how they dealt with everything then, and how they feel now. Highly recommend! Also available on Hoopla and Libby!

-Woody, Youth Services

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Cholodenko

Hank is a very responsible eleven-year old, often tasked with babysitting his two-year-old sister, Boo. But one week their mom doesn't come home... When their food runs out and the landlord comes around with an eviction notice, Hank uses a field trip permission slip to seek out an unknown emergency contact for help. What happens next is a story of love, addiction, fostering, trust, and healing, told with warmth and humor from this Newbery Award-winning author. I cried happy tears at the end - highly recommended! Also available on Libby!

-Kat, Youth Services

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison (2022) is a funny, kind of gory, and insightful story of the changes that female bodies endure: pregnancy, menopause, lycanthropy... you know, girl stuff. Also available on Libby  

My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris (2024) is a continuation of Ferris' first book (of the same name). The story follows Karen, our young "good monster" narrator, as she tries to unravel the mystery of a murdered neighbor, while also learning about herself, her sexuality, and the way the world perceives certain people. Story aside, it is a delight for the eyes; each page, done in various ballpoint pens, is a work of art on its own. Also available on Hoopla!

-Melisa, Access Services

After years of enjoying TV shows like Columbo and Midsomer Murders, I finally decided to try reading Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot books. I devoured the very first one, The Mysterious Affair at Stiles, in 2 days. Through Christie's writing, one can follow Poirot's thoughts and process, solving the crime alongside him (even if the people around him have no idea what's going on). Her descriptions of the world Poirot sees creates a narrative as clean and as polished as Poirot's mustache. I fully expected to be completely confused with the amount of characters and plot lines, but through repetition and reiteration Christie clearly outlines everything in a way that is easy to understand. And since I read the book on Libby, if there were references or words I did not understand, I was able to look it up right from the app by selecting the word! Did you know pince nez glasses are the tiny little glasses that pinch onto your nose? I didn't, however, reading that Hercule Poirot wears them as he deciphers a room made sense. I'm halfway through Hallowe'en Party, and by my request, The Murder on the Links is next on my list on Libby! You can lots of Agatha Christie on Libby and Hoopla

-Ally, Access Services

The Future by Naomi Alderman. It is a future apocalypse type story with some good twists. The big tech billionaires have developed technology to alert them when world ending catastrophe is imminent, allowing them ample time to retreat to their bunkers, and the alarm has been sounded. The Future follows these billionaires, their assistants, and others, as the unthinkable happens and the survival of our species is tested. Fun summer read, creatively written with well-developed characters. Also available on Libby

-Cady, Adult Services Department