New for Kids and Teens

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall (Easy Picture Book)

This fun picture book is about a red (or is it?) crayon. The colorful illustrations and even more colorful personalities of the various crafting supplies that feature in the story will have kids giggling and chiming in with their own answers as to why the red crayon is having such trouble coloring things red. A great story for young artists! But it also contains a great, subtle message for parents and kids in regards to being true to yourself despite the label the world may put on you.

This book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne (Easy Picture Book)

Here is a book that is just plain all-around fun! Have you ever wondered about that little space at the spine of a book where 2 pages meet? What happens if something slips through that little space-instead of continuing on to the second page? And what if, just for example, your dog wanders into that little space? How do you get him back? Read this laugh-out-loud book to find out! Warning to parents-this one might be a repeat read demand from your kids!

At Home with…. by T. Cooke (Juvenile Non-fiction Series)

The books in this non-fiction series each feature a historical people (Aztecs, Ancient Romans, Ancient Greeks, Victorians, Vikings) in a very eye-grabbing and informational format reminiscent of the ever so popular Guinness World Records books. Each 2 page spread covers a different topic. For example, in At Home with the Aztecs these topics range from Master Chef to My Home and Make Over. Each volume contains a useful glossary and index, along with websites and books to check out for more information. This series is sure to be a hit for kids with an interest in how ancient peoples lived.

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson (Juvenile Fiction)

This is a touching, well-written story of normal kids with good grades, friends and family –but with one problem. They are homeless. 19 year old Gage couldn’t stand living with their guardian anymore, so when he leaves, 10 year-old Ari, wanting to honor their mother’s dying wish that they stay together, goes with him. But Gage doesn’t have an apartment or a job yet, and they find themselves couch surfing with his friends. Ari’s greatest comfort are her Paper Things-clippings from catalogs that she uses to create a perfect paper family and that gives her some semblance of control in a life quickly spinning out of control. This novel is a realistic look at what 6 weeks of homelessness looks like for kids-how the adults and friends in their lives are kept in the dark and the difficultly of find shelter, food, showers, and other basic things that most kids take for granted. A wonderful read that address a very real issue.

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Bradley (Juvenile Fiction)

This book will satisfy just about any reader. Set during the London Blitz, this historical fiction features strong characters overcoming huge odds in an attempt to find, and keep, a life and family that is worth fighting for. 9 year-old Ada has been confined to her room and mistreated her entire life by her mother because she was born a club-foot. When her little brother Jamie was getting shipped out to the country with the rest of London’s children, Ada sneaks out to join him. They are reluctantly taken in by Susan Smith-and a long journey of discovery, growth, health and acceptance begins, for Susan and the children alike. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black (Teen Fiction)

From a master of dark fantasy and paranormal books comes this incredible story of a town where fae and humans co-exist with each other on the edge of a razor-thin blade. Hazel and her brother Ben have long since accepted the fae as a part of their lives, and are all too well aware of how dangerous the fae can be-and at one time, they knew how to stop them from harming humans. But not anymore, and the fae are becoming bolder and more dangerous. On the tip of this delicate balance is the boy with horns on his head who has been sleeping in a glass coffin for generations. Until the day when suddenly the coffin is broken and the boy is no longer sleeping. With his awakening come a danger unlike anything the town has faced before and soon Hazel and Ben find themselves fighting for not just their survival, but for the whole town as they struggle with love, deciding where their loyalties lie, and startling betrayals. A must read for Holly Black fans and those like their fantasy with a dark edge to it.

By Sarah Rehborg, Youth Services Librarian