YA Librarian

Westing Game – Read It and Rate It

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The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more

Out of the Dust – Read It and Rate It

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Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Historical Fiction Novel in Verse Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Through a series of free-verse poems, Billie Jo narrates her struggles with the harsh environment, the death of her mother, her physical and emotional scars, and rebuilding her life and family back … Read more

Nothing Else But Miracles – Read It and Rate It

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Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Named for the sea, since, after all, both of their parents are. Fish (Fisher) Byrne, Dory (Doris) Byrne, and Pike Byrne are siblings living in Manhattan at the time of World War II. This is nothing new, yet there is something very distinct about these siblings. 1) Their father is away, fighting in the war. 2) They are … Read more

Emily of Deep Valley – Read It and Rate It

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Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It’s at the end of the school year, and all of the exciting events are occurring. There’s the Junior-Senior dance, dresses to be made, the parade, and of course, Commencement day in which orations are given, and the seniors are officially graduated. Emily Webster is a quiet, shy, and socially awkward girl who … Read more

Armchair Tour of the Solar System Gallery (May 2024)

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Michelle Nichols from the Adler Planetarium visited the library and presented her talk on the planets in our solar system to an enthusiastic group of teens and adults. We love Michelle’s passion for the stars! Here are a few photos from the event, but we highly recommend catching Michelle in person, if you can!

Kite Flying Gallery (June 2024)

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Teens learned how to fly and steer kites on a particularly blustery afternoon – we had 20mph+ winds at times! It was challenging with some of the kite designs, but participants had fun, and our instructor, Eric, was kept busy running back and forth as he helped people get airborn again. Enjoy some photos from the event below:

Very Large Expanse of Sea – Read It and Rate It

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A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” tells the story of a teenage Muslim American girl dealing with racism and Islamophobia after 9/11. The story follows the protagonist, Shirin, and takes place in 2002. Shirin is tired of being stereotyped and is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She endures many comments … Read more

Go Set a Watchman – Read It and Rate It

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Go Set a Watchman sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Historical Fiction Review #1 * Star (A Waste of time) “Go Set a Watchman” is the sequel to the iconic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. Featuring many of the same characters from TKaM, this book follows Scout Finch, who is now grown up. It is set in the mid-1950s in Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch returns home to Maycomb … Read more