Nina is a modern Lipan girl living in our world of highways and climate change. But she loves the stories of her ancestors, especially the ones of animal people. She knows that science can't explain everything, like her great-great-grandmother who lived 150 years or her many other long-lived relatives. And she's starting to suspect that there's something inexplicable about the old well on her grandmother's property.

Oli lives in the land of spirits and monsters and is a cottonmouth animal person. He can switch between snake and human forms and is setting out on his own to make a life for himself away from his family, as all cottonmouths do. He is intrigued by the strange artifacts that come from the other world. But as a strange illness sweeps the animal people, he is determined to get to the bottom of it and save his friend, even if that means venturing to the strange and dangerous other world of humans.

As Nina and Oli's paths cross, both of their lives will be changed forever as they discover that their worlds are more connected than anyone realized.

I loved getting lost in this world of modern Lipan storytelling! The alternating perspectives build slowly but as they begin to cross over and the stakes become clear the pacing picks up to a thrilling climax. Highly recommended for fans of animal stories, fantasy, and stories highlighting indigenous voices.

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

Erica's Picks
6th +
​tags: animals, fantasy, global perspectives, People of Color

Vira was never supposed to be queen so young. How can she be expected to hold her country together when she can't even keep her family in tact? Her sister has run away from court to join a group of outlaws living in the forest. Her half brother is in the dungeon, accused of assassinating Vira's mother, the former queen. Her other brother isn't even talking to Vira, convinced their half brother is innocent. The whole kingdom is angry at her because they think she's hoarding magic and not letting the people have their fair share. But if the truth came out, that the magic reserves are almost gone, there would be nothing to stop their enemies from invading and occupying her country. Each sibling has their own skill set, and despite their estrangement Vira can't trust anyone else. They agree to put aside their differences to find the legendary Ivory Key and restore the land's magic, but each of them have their own plans for what to do with the magic once they find it.

This is a fantastic, Indian-inspired fantasy full of adventure, puzzles, and political intrigue. The chapters alternate among the four siblings and each are well drawn with their own unique perspectives and motivations. I love that the main focus is on these sibling relationships, and the Indiana-Jones like adventure full of dangerous, ancient traps and complex puzzles only adds to the thrill of the story. 

The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman

Erica's Picks
7th +
​tags: adventure, family life, fantasy, fast-paced, global perspectives, People of Color

You probably know Charles Lindbergh as an aviator, the first to cross the Atlantic. You might know about the media sensation surrounding the kidnapping and death of his infant son. But I bet you didn't know about his support of eugenics and early Nazi sympathies. Lindbergh's life story is fascinating starting with his grandfather, who fled felony charges in Sweden and abandoned his family to move to America with his mistress. He would later lose his arm and a part of his back in a sawmill accident and despite the fact that the medical care he got at the time consisted of wrapping him in a blanket and leaving him to die in bed, he survived. Charles would take this a sign of the importance of gumption and stoicism and a sign that he came from "good stock". Charles Lindbergh was far more complicated than most people realize and his foray into politics and the "America First" movement has eerie relevance today.

Viewing American history through the lens of Charles Lindbergh offers a compelling and insightful, if often horrifying, narrative into many aspects of American society. From celebrity culture to science to the legal system to isolationism. This is nonfiction at its best. I could not put it down, except for the times when I read something so outrageous I had to find someone else to share it with before resuming the narrative. A complex and compelling read.

The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

Erica's Picks
7th +
tags: biography, history, nonfiction

​The streets of 1926 Shanghai are dangerous, but Juliette walks them with confidence. As the heir of the Scarlet Gang she's untouchable, and if anyone were foolish enough to try and hurt her, she's more than capable of defending herself. The only one who came close is Roma, heir to the White Flower gang. Sure, his betrayal years ago stung, but it only served as a lesson in the dangers of allowing others, especially enemy others, to get too close. When rumors of a mysterious monster rise and people across the city start clawing their own throats out, Juliette knows she can't stem the rising tide of blood alone. Against her better judgement, she must put old grudges aside and work with Roma to get to the bottom of this mystery. Will the city be able to survive this gruesome threat? Will her heart be able to survive working with Roma?

This vivid and gory take on Romeo and Juliet is completely enthralling, but not for the light of heart. The gang violence is intense enough before adding in the supernatural horror. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy the references hidden throughout, but will still be kept on their toes as the plot varies dramatically. The setting is practically a character in itself and is beautifully portrayed. Between the action scenes is strong characterization and a slow burn romance providing something for a wide range of readers.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Erica's Picks
8th +
tags: character driven, fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, horror, mystery, People of Color, retellings, romance, supernatural

Sarah had no way of knowing that when her father hired a dragon, it would change her life forever. An ordinary girl in a small farming town, she soon found herself in the middle of a prophecy and a deadly conflict that would leave ripples across dimensions. In a world of dragons the real danger comes from humans twisted by both faith and hate into their own powerful forces to be reckoned with.

I absolutely adored this story from its unique, genre-bending premise to the layered characters and the history that is both our own and something different. The rich characterizations kept me fully engaged in the story while the twists in the plot kept me eagerly turning the pages. I have come to expect great things from Patrick Ness, but this may be my favorite of his so far. Not only because it contains dragons, but that certainly doesn't hurt!

Burn by Patrick Ness

Erica's Picks
7th +
​tags: adventure, character driven, fantasy, fast-paced, historical fiction, LGTBQ, People of Color

Aisholpan always had a connection to her father's eagle. Ever since she was a girl she'd heard stories of her ancestors' famed skill with eagles and she was proud to continue the nomadic traditions of her people. But she never could have anticipated the consequences of learning this traditionally male sport herself. From her first hunt to competing on a national stage to winning international fame through a documentary depicting her journey Aisholpan takes us behind the scenes to learn about her life and her journey.

I loved learning about Aisholpan's way of life and the changes that came with her unexpected fame. If you enjoy learning about other cultures or stories about human animal connection then this is a great choice for you!

The Eagle Huntress: The True Story of the Girl Who Soared Beyond Expectations by Aisholpan Nurgaiv & Liz Welch

Erica's Picks
5th +
tags: biography, global perspectives, People of Color

It starts with the rain. A rainstorm that seems to happen simultaneously all over the globe. Next comes the strange black grass that grows at an alarming rate. Then allergic reactions to the pollen in the air. People start disappearing into the ground, consumed by monstrous plants. Soon the world is in a panic. Crops are failing. Buildings are collapsing. People are crowding the hospitals. But there are three teenagers who seem oddly unaffected by it all. What makes them so special and what can they do to save the rest of the world before it's too late?

This is a fast-past thriller told from the perspective of three teenagers. Luckily all three books are out because the minute you finish one you'll want to pick up the next. Perfect for fans of fast-paced science fiction.

The Overthrow #1 Bloom by Kenneth Oppel

Erica's Picks
5th +
tags: fast-paced, horror, people of color, science fiction, survival

Miriam's life is changed forever when her father dies in battle and her mother marries the king. Miram grew up living modestly and hates the politics of court life. She would much rather climb trees in an patched dress than be weighted down in restrictive clothes and heavy jewels for a state ceremony. But even Miriam understands the importance of her baby sister's christening. Miriam adores Aurora, who is particularly vulnerable to the power of Dark Fae at this important moment. Despite everyone's careful plans a Dark Fae arrives to wreak havoc and endanger baby Aurora. When Miriam acts to save her sister, she discovers a hidden power. Miriam's life is changed again as she embraces her new powers and her role as protector to save her sister from whatever comes her way.

This is a great fantasy story full of the glamour of princesses, the adventure of knights, the magic of Fae, and the heart of a loving family. I particularly enjoy how it avoids common, outdated fantasy tropes by allowing for female knights, multiple perspectives, and a loving step-father. The sleeping beauty connection isn't the focus with Aurora remaining a baby throughout, though perhaps that will change in future installments. A refreshing fantasy, plus there's a unicorn and a dragon--what's not to love? 

Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey

Erica's Picks
6th -8th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, family life, fantasy

From hijabs and heels to cosplay and cultural garments this book covers aspects of style that have often been overlooked by mainstream culture. An immersive look at various aspects of fashion, the book has gorgeous photographs throughout and highlights a wide and diverse range of artists. This is a quick and engrossing read. I only wish it was longer.

The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures by Christian Allaire


Erica's Picks
5+
​tags: art, nonfiction, People of Color

Cookie wants to be a nun. She’s been raised as a Catholic, but there’s just one problem: her family is actually Jewish. Straddling multiple worlds as she transitions from her beloved Catholic school to public school, Cookie learns that her immigrant family has been keeping secrets — her grandmother and aunts survived the Holocaust?! Her own mother received a medal for bravery during WWII AND converted to Catholicism during her time in Italy?! In this coming-of-age graphic memoir, the author details her struggle to make sense of her complicated family history, her relationship to the religion she loves vs. the one her family holds dear, and the many expectations placed on her to follow in her half-brothers’ footsteps. As Cookie and her family come to terms with the aftermath of WWII and its myriad effects, you will find humor, grace, and grit in the author’s telling of her life experiences set in New York, 1957 to 1967.

I loved reminiscing about my own life along with Cookie, growing up in the suburbs of New York surrounded by a large, Italian, Catholic, opinionated family. I remember struggling similarly to find my own place while still making room for my family history and all the joys and burdens that accompany it. 

Why is Everybody Yelling?: Growing Up in My Immigrant Family by Marisabina Russo
​
Jennie’s Picks
7th-8th Grade
Tags: Comics, Family Life, Mental Illness, Humor