Staff Picks by Jessica
Jessica is a huge fan of fantasy and science-fiction for readers of all ages especially when paired with characters who are people of color. Any adult books she reads tend to be non-fiction or historical fiction. Make sure to check out her audiobook recomendations here!
Newest reviews are at the bottom.
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062455789
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Greenwillow Books - October 3rd, 2017
A beautifully illustrated non-fiction book that is perfect for those kids who always ask "why?". A perfect book for teachers but also sweet enough to read every night as a bedtime story. The more often you read it, the better you will be at reading large numbers! Has a wonderfully accessible back matter page. - Jessica
$5.99
ISBN: 9781943147090
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Innovation Press - March 14th, 2017
The scientific process for kids with magical animals! The cover alone is all your young reader needs to see with this adorable new early chapter book series. Zoey with the help of her cat Sassafras and her handy Thinking Goggles uses deduction and the scientific process to find the best way to help the magical creatures that come to their door in need of care and love. Cute black and white illustrations with a helpful glossary in the back for those carefully introduced scientific words like hypothesis. My new go to recomendation! - Jessica
$7.99
ISBN: 9781481492072
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for You - May 1st, 2018
A perfect book for young girls that are starting middle school. Amina is trying to figure out who she is and what she stands for as she learns about friends, bullying, and what it truly means to stand up for what you believe in. Lovely coming of age story. It also has such a stunning cover. - Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9780062498533
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Balzer + Bray - February 28th, 2017
Clear your schedule because this is one book that you need to finish in one day. Starr has a strong voice that pulls you in to really experience her life, loss, love, family, and friendship. A powerfuly written story that is both a meaningful and timely read. - Jessica
$18.69
ISBN: 9781524700201
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - January 9th, 2018
Fans of Percy Jackson will devour this hilarious adventure story of a brave gargoyle named Penhallow (Don't call him Goyle!) and his human friend Viola. Penhallow takes the protection of his Wards, the people living in the home he lives on, seriously and when a mysterious Boneless King starts releasing all the scary creatures that go bump in the night, it is his job to get to the bottom of the problem before it is too late. - Jessica
$9.99
ISBN: 9781368008341
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - November 6th, 2018
Zivah is a healer forced to use her knowledge to hurt others and Dineas is a fighter who must now make friends with the enemy. Together, the two teens suffering at the hands of an empire are forced to set aside their differences in order to fight the enemy that surrounds them. A deep look at the ways war changes both individuals and culture. Livia is able to show a fantasy world that is sure to capture teen readers who are willing to engage in tough questions. These characters are rich with detail and complexity that will draw in fans of An Ember in the Ashes. - Jessica
$9.99
ISBN: 9781250158413
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish - May 8th, 2018
Flirting failures are all Desi has ever known. But a rulebook based on the tried and true methods of Korean dramas is sure to help her catch the perfect boyfriend. A wonderful romance with a fun and relatable heroine. - Jessica
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481478694
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse - May 22nd, 2018
A hilarious romance told from two perspectives. One a girl who is determined to show her worth and smarts. The other a boy who believes in true love and meeting that perfect someone. What happens when the two meet? Well, coffee in the face and so much more. Great teen romance. - Jessica
$10.99
ISBN: 9781250294500
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Square Fish - June 4th, 2019
A fantastic book featuring a black, female, and queer main character! This story takes you to the heart of romance as Alice explores relationships and the different ways she expresses her love of others and how those around her express their love for her. Perfect teen romance. - Jessica
$15.99
ISBN: 9781481486248
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - April 10th, 2018
Honest, down to earth, and powerful in its simplicity. This stunning letter/poem/note to self is something everyone needs to read. Easy to pick up, quick to finish, and sure to make an impression. I read it and immediately wished I had 50 copies so I could hand it out to everyone I know, plus keep one for myself. - Jessica
$10.99
ISBN: 9780147518057
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Speak - September 5th, 2017
Reading is magic. Not just in some metaphorical sense, but in the true sense that you will experience a new and stunning world in this highly original fantasy. An amazing book that will capture any bookworm. Reminiscent of Cornelia Funke's Inkheart. - Jessica
$16.95
ISBN: 9781101971062
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Vintage - May 2nd, 2017
Generation after generation, both hope and sorrow hit the two families in this story hard. Gyasi uses the episodic nature to her advantage, in a way that inspires a fevered anticipation similar to the tv show Roots. A moving work that would be a great choice for book clubs and writing classes. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9780735229358
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial Books - February 20th, 2018
Children will be drawn in by the easily relatable animal emotions in this simple and sweet story. A great book to use as a teaching opportunity for toddlers and parents alike. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9781484767603
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - June 5th, 2018
An amazing picture book that shows the power of art. Minh Le and Dan Santat (local author!) team up to create a powerful story about family, love, and strength. All with just a few words and a lot of action on the page. I loved the way the two drawing styles came together. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9780823434572
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Holiday House - July 3rd, 2018
This book perfectly captures cousins, especially in mixed-race families. Reading it I was immediately brought back to the early days of interacting with my cousins and noticing the differences between their family and mine. Also reminiscent of the Caldecott Honor, When the Relatives Came. Truly a book I wish I could have had when I was growing up. - Jessica
$6.99
ISBN: 9781534411999
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for You - May 8th, 2018
Power Forward is the perfect story for young sports fans about balancing the ideal amount of school and play. I especially enjoyed this book because it featured a young Pakistani boy and his family going about their lives as Americans. Filled with sibling banter, school-work, home-cooked meals, and family-drama, this is a book that I would give to a young reader who wants to see themselves in a story as basketball fan or as a Pakistani-American. - Jessica
$16.99
ISBN: 9781626723634
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: First Second - February 13th, 2018
This book was a fantastic story about two kids discovering who they are and how they want to present themselves to the world. Frances is a daring seamstress who has caught the eye of Lady Crystallia a beautiful fashion trend starter. But the world doesn't know that Lady Crystallia is Prince Sebastian and Frances must decide if she wants the world to know about her work, even as it threatens to expose her friend's secrets to the world. Jen's illustrations captures the emotions of the character's so creatively. I also loved the information in the back of the book about her creative process. - Jessica
$6.99
ISBN: 9781524770488
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Yearling - August 13th, 2019
A fast-paced adventure perfect for young fantasy readers who enjoy Magic Tree House and the Zoey and Sassafras series. Zax is not happy to be dropped off at Ma's house while his Mama goes to court. This snappy, white-haired lady turns out to be a witch and asks him for his help returning some baby dragons to the magical world before they cause trouble in Brooklyn. I can't wait to see what else Zax and this cast of characters will get into next! - Jessica
$17.00
ISBN: 9780399180996
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Del Rey - May 7th, 2019
A masterfully spun tale weaving together multiple voices in a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin that delves into the cost versus value of love, family, and power. Fans of a more nuanced fantasy and Novik's Uprooted will appreciate the amazing character development and detailed world. - Jessica
$7.99
ISBN: 9781338157826
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Arthur A. Levine Books - June 25th, 2019
A well-balanced book that shows one young Chinese girl's experience immigrating with her family to California. At times funny, heart-wrenching, and innovative, this book shows the difficulties of starting over in a new country in a way that a young reader would be able to understand. A great book to open our eyes to the different and sometimes unseen ways people struggle and how we can make the world a better place by being more inclusive and willing to listen to other's stories. - Jessica
$19.95
ISBN: 9780448494500
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Razorbill - June 12th, 2018
Destruction takes time. From decades to millennia, each character in Sabaa Tahir's third book has been waiting for the perfect moment to strike and the world is forever going to be changed by their revenge. Sabaa clearly planed her destruction well because I am not sure I can recover from her carefully planed betrayals, prophecies, and heart-pounding moments. This will not disappoint any long-suffering fan. - Jessica
$11.99
ISBN: 9781481495417
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse - May 14th, 2019
This story captures that first date moment at the movie theater when your date touches your hand in the dark while knocking the popcorn over in the loudest way possible - its cute and exciting, but also slightly embarrassing. Sandhya has crafted another excellent teen romance about a shy and ambitious young woman trying to show the world her passion and talent. A fantastic summer read! - Jessica
$8.99
ISBN: 9781101997284
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Puffin Books - July 9th, 2019
Marcus Vega may look like the average bully - large, silent, and overwhelming - but inside he is just a boy too big for the quiet kids and too small to fill the shoes of his absent father. Marcus is suspended from school for protecting his brother from a bully and decides his time off would be better spent searching for answers from his father in Puerto Rico. A fast-paced journey of self-discovery about the role of family, friendship, and home. Perfect for 10 to 14. - Jessica
$9.99
ISBN: 9781250308801
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish - May 7th, 2019
LA foodies, look no further. This is the perfect summer read filled with the amazing flavors and feelings only an LA summer can bring. Clara is forced to work in her dad's Korean-Brazilian food truck this summer in order to pay off some completely accidental school property damage with her long time rival. Chaos ensues. This story is so vivdly set in our city filled with freeway humor and the diversity that makes our city amazing. Highly recomend this book for laugh out loud reading. - Jessica
$6.99
ISBN: 9780062570710
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperCollins - September 3rd, 2019
Saving Winslow captures an innocence and steadfast belief in miracles that are real and close at hand. Louie is determined to save the sick miniature donkey even though his past animal endeavors haven't turned out well. But he names him Winslow to show that he will survive and with the help of his family and some unexpected sources, maybe miracles can come true. A beautiful book for a family to enjoy together as a read aloud. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9781626720664
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Roaring Brook Press - September 25th, 2018
A stunning story of a boy and his dog captured in shades of blue. From the bright joy of a new puppy in baby blue to the steady love of a four-legged family member in sky blue. The boy and the puppy get older together and the colors help gently bring the story to its ending that is full of new blues. For intuitive readers ages 5 to 7. - Jessica
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481481977
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - September 3rd, 2019
Today's fiction, tomorrow's reality. Normal California life turns into a war-zone when the taps are turned off and Alyssa's family is torn apart by thirst as the world dries up around her. A gripping read from start to finish that hits close to home. I read it all in one night. Recommended for strong readers ages 13+. A great book to discuss in a classroom or book club. I have never been more grateful for my water bottle next to me. - Reviewed by Jessica
$12.99
ISBN: 9781534416796
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse - June 23rd, 2020
I am unable to put into words how much I loved this book. Each of Sandhya's pervious books are wonderful (When Dimple Met Rishi and From Twinkle, With Love). I read this book all in one night and was so happy with it that I sat down the next morning to write down my thoughts but I felt so intimidated by how much joy this book brought me. Strange to belive, but I just don't think my words would be able to describe to you the sweet happiness, quiet power, and gentle love in this story. All I can tell you is that this book will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.
$12.99
ISBN: 9781534431454
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Aladdin - September 3rd, 2019
A fun new graphic novel for fans of The Witch Boy that follows a young girl who discovers she is a witch in the modern day. But her town has a centuries-long history of anger, resentment, and fear of these independent women with magical powers. But the witch community may not be as welcoming when compared to the town. This story looks at how to relate to history and family in a fun new way. And don't forget the talking fat black cat! - Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9781984812209
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - September 10th, 2019
Funny, nerdy, relatable, and honest, Frankly in Love is about a high school boy who begins a fake relationship in order to deceive his strict Korean parents about the fact he is not dating a Korean girl. With a strong sense of SoCal life, this is great for readers ages 14 and up. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9780735264311
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Tundra Books - August 20th, 2019
Charming! Adorable! Scrumptious! I loved the show the illustrations and text put on with the fun food costumes. A great book for picky eaters and food lovers alike! - Jessica
$16.99
ISBN: 9780358040828
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Versify - September 24th, 2019
Coding, music, and poetry all beautifully come together in this middle-grade novel about a girl who loves music but isn't a musician. When she starts at a new school she stumbles upon the unlikely instrument of computers and friendship. This is an approachable story for readers ages 10 to 13 with a helpful glossary of words defined in the back. - Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9781580899406
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Charlesbridge Teen - June 25th, 2019
$16.99
ISBN: 9781499808889
Availability: Coming from our Warehouse. Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Yellow Jacket - June 11th, 2019
$18.99
ISBN: 9781534445420
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse - September 24th, 2019
Gamers get ready! Kiera is your normal student dealing with friends, boyfriend, and school, except she is also the game developer behind a secret multiplayer online role-playing card game, SLAY. But when the game is exposed to the media, people want to tear down the safe space she has created. I loved the game play, energy, family dynamics and the few chapters told from different players perspectives. A great action packed book that can be given to so many people. For ages 13 and up. I want to SLAY! - Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9781536204315
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick - May 5th, 2020
A gorgeous high-seas, queer, fantasy for teens! Florian, born Flora, is a young pirate trying to make enough money to escape to a safe place with her brother. Lady Evelyn Hasegawa is a high-born imperial shipped off to be a soldier's bride. Author, Maggie Tokuda-Hall is able to weave together stories of love, adventure, family, identity, and magic in a world overshadowed by a seemingly mighty colonial power. A tale worthy of the sea, her mermaids, and the witches, pirates, and soldiers who hunt the two lovers. - review by Jessica
$25.00
ISBN: 9781571313652
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Milkweed Editions - September 8th, 2020
Aimee didn't know it at the time (or maybe she did in her mystical way) but this book was written for me and all the other brown-skinned, nature-loving, quiet-questers in the world. This BEAUTIFUL package asks the reader to pick-me-up and go for a walk down memory lane where you will find essays on a diversity of flora and fauna from the dragon fruit to the narwhal and the corpse flower to the axolotl; all of which are gorgeously illustrated inside. Her writing asks everyone to find beauty and connection to the wonders that are nature's stories. - review by Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316453691
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - March 10th, 2020
Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X Kendi have made the perfect NOT history book for everyone hesitant/curious/eager/desperate to learn what it means to be an anti-racist. There are dates, there are names, there are facts, but mostly there is reflection. Policies, media, moments, are all looked at in a way that traces the lines of thought to action and in-action asking us to laugh, cry, pause, rage, and fight against racist and assimilationist thought. Approachable, engaging, and necessary, this is a book that will make change. - review by Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9781419739828
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Amulet Books - August 18th, 2020
Immerse yourself in a rich fantasy world with wishes to cheat death, struggles for power, and hopes to find love. Jordan Ifueko has given us the start of a series where peace may not be as it seems and who you are vs. who the world tells you to be can have life-threatening and history-shaping consequences. One of my favorite aspects is the chants, prayers, and songs that are essential to the story and the narrator rhythmically enriches the reading. - review by Jessica
$19.95
ISBN: 9781885008978
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Lee & Low Books - October 27th, 2020
A beautiful story linking music, math, and culture through illustration and problem solving. A great addition to any classroom eager to introduce numbers with a clever character, bright art, and plentiful back matter information. - Review by Jessica
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481451482
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books - September 22nd, 2020
A fantastic exploration of creativity through a blossoming friendship! Imagination and fun are limitless in this story of a young girl and a panda as they obey the rules of art; which is that there are no rules in art! - Review by Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9781534445451
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - March 16th, 2021
Love, grief, power, and family all come together in The Cost of Knowing as Alex struggles to live his life as a young Black man grieving over the loss of his parents and best friend. His grief must also contend with his anxiety and a mysterious power that allows him to see the future of anything he touches. When learning of an event that he would do anything to prevent, he must come to terms with the origins of his power and the consequences of his actions as a brother, boyfriend, and young Black teenager. Morris is able to dive deep into an emotionally nuanced story layering grief, masculinity, and generational trauma that will leave readers with a powerful message about regret, choice, and knowledge. A book to support with full hearts, unashamed tears, and powerful voices. - review by Jessica
$18.99
ISBN: 9781250208484
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Roaring Brook Press - November 3rd, 2020
A roasted marshmallow opens this delightful new friendship story. Atmospheric illustrations beautifully compliment this warm-hearted story of community and sharing. Perfect for fans of marshmallows, penguins, and of course best friends! - review by Jessica
