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Family
What Does It Feel Like
“Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains Read more...
Posted by Stephanie L. on February 1, 2025
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
Isaiah Dunn is 10 years old, and it has not been an easy year for him. His father passed away unexpectedly, and his mother is struggling at the bottom of Read more...
Posted by Heidi E. on October 17, 2024
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
Frederick Fife is a down on his luck widower. He hasn’t been able to pay his rent and is being evicted from his apartment. Before packing away his things, Fred Read more...
Posted by Stephanie L. on September 1, 2024
Gather Round
Gather Round is a perfect companion for times spent around a glowing fire on a Summer’s night. A fire is built bit by bit in poetic prose and beautiful imagery Read more...
Posted by Sarah A. on July 3, 2024
Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros
Sixth graders Isaac and Marco are next door neighbors and best friends, but they couldn’t be more different. Sports come naturally to Isaac, but he struggles to focus on school. Read more...
Posted by Kristi M. on May 16, 2024
Faith Based Reads for Children & Families
Explore a diverse selection of thought-provoking picture books that delve into matters of faith and spirituality. Wherever You Are by Glenys Nellist In simple, rhyming text, encourages children to notice God Read more...
Posted by Sarah Jane N. on January 12, 2024
Remarkably Bright Creatures
A delightful book full of heart, humor and acceptance of things we cannot change.
Posted by Adult Services on April 1, 2023
License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids
Analytical mom + operational dad = the CIA way of parenting
Posted by Adult Services on January 15, 2023
Poverty & Hunger: A Reading List for Grade School
Living in poverty means that people are often going without basic needs such as food, clothing, and adequate shelter. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on January 6, 2023
Homelessness & Poverty: A Reading List for Teens
Living in poverty means that people are often going without basic needs such as food, clothing, and adequate shelter. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on January 6, 2023
Poverty & Hunger: A Reading List for Children and Families
Living in poverty means that people are often going without basic needs such as food, clothing, and adequate shelter. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on January 6, 2023
Indigenous Voices & Experiences: A Reading List for Children and Families
We hope these selections serve to educate, celebrate, and encourage dialogue on the diverse nations, cultures, and experiences of Native peoples throughout North America. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month—and continue Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on November 4, 2022
Indigenous Voices & Experiences: A Reading List for Grade School
We hope these selections serve to educate, celebrate, and encourage dialogue on the diverse nations, cultures, and experiences of Native peoples throughout North America. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month—and continue Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on November 4, 2022
Starfish
Starfish by Lisa Fipps tells the story of 11 year old Ellie who is carrying the weight of being fat shamed at school and at home. She spends her life Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on May 26, 2022
New From Here
Drawn from the author’s own experiences, this is a moving story that explores the stress that a pandemic can put on an Asian-American family.
Posted by Book Rex on April 20, 2022
Book List of Magical Realism Novels
Readers who enjoy the rich creations of magical realism often also appreciate themes of invention storytelling forms like folklore, ghost stories, and fairy tales.
Posted by Adult Services on December 16, 2021
PIGLET: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family
Dr. Melisa Shapiro knew one thing from an early age. That her purpose in life was to care for animals. During the first few chapters of the book, Dr. Shapiro Read more...
Posted by Adult Services on October 5, 2021
Vampirates: Demons of the ocean
After their father’s death, twins Grace and Connor set sail on the open sea in hopes of finding a better life. When caught in the eye of a storm they Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on July 29, 2021
Black History Month: A Reading list for Grade School
Celebrate Black History Month with books by Black authors and writing focusing on Black characters, history, and culture. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on February 10, 2021
Black History Month: A Reading List for Children and Families
Celebrate Black History Month with books by Black authors and writing focusing on Black characters, history, and culture. We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on February 10, 2021
Picture Books Featuring the Alphabet
Whether you are looking for a fun new books to share together or want to enrich your reader's homeschool curriculum, choosing a book that features a letter in the alphabet Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 30, 2020
Disability & Neurodiversity: A Reading List for Children and Families
We hope these selections serve to educate, entertain, amplify disabled voices, and encourage a dialogue on topics of disability and neurodiversity.
Posted by Book Rex on December 21, 2020
Disability & Neurodiversity: A Reading List for Grade School
We hope these selections serve to educate, entertain, amplify disabled voices, and encourage a dialogue on topics of disability and neurodiversity.
Posted by Book Rex on December 21, 2020
One Community, Many Voices: A Reading List for Children & Families
This list is a great way to start your Westmont Reads experience. WPL librarians have selected titles for all ages by authors from a wide range of communities, backgrounds, experiences, Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 13, 2020
One Community, Many Voices: A Grade School Reading List
This list is a great way to start your Westmont Reads experience. WPL librarians have selected titles for all ages by authors from a wide range of communities, backgrounds, experiences, Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 13, 2020
Teen Winter Romances
A list of romantic books for teens that take place over the holiday season. My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins If you love holiday stories, holiday Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 11, 2020
Mass Incarceration: A Reading List for Children and Families
We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of incarceration and the impact of mass incarceration on individuals, families, and communities.
Posted by Book Rex on September 8, 2020
Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World
Published in 2020, but before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, this book is remarkably timely. Our world is truly unpredictable, and even the near future is uncertain. The author, a Read more...
Dreamers
Yuyi and her son leave Mexico and travel to the United States. They are welcomed in a language not yet their own and have to learn and discover many new Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on July 2, 2020
When Mischief Came to Town
Fans of Pippi Longstocking and Anne of Green Gables will adore the story of 10-year-old Inge Marie Jensen; a spunky, recently orphaned girl who arrives at a dreary Danish island Read more...
Amal Unbound
Amal Unbound tells the story of a twelve year old girl growing up in a small village in Pakistan. As the oldest in her family, it falls to Amal to Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on May 7, 2020
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
This glimpse into the mind and heart of a girl who doesn't fit the "norm" will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer for Lucy, while learning to celebrate what is Read more...
Posted by Kristi M. on April 30, 2020
The Call of the Wild + Free
Part memoir and part handbook, The Call of the Wild + Free focuses on inspiring and encouraging families to keep a sense of wonder and curiosity alive in their children. Read more...
Poet X
Fifteen-year-old Xiomara tires to be invisible. However with her body being “unhide-able” because it grew curves, and the quick fists she uses to defend herself and her twin brother, Xiomara Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on February 20, 2020
Wild Honey from the Moon
Mother Shrew has a very sick little boy. She will do anything in her power to make him well. The only cure for his illness, according to her handy book Read more...
Zaitoun: Recipes from the Palestinian Kitchen
Yasmin Khan, a human rights campaigner who likes to immerse herself in different world cuisines, has recently introduced her cookbook “Zaitoun: Recipes from the Palestinian Kitchen.” Her visit to Israel Read more...
Posted by Adult Services on December 24, 2019
Long Way Down
Written in free verse narrative, the book beings with Will’s brother getting shot in the streets of their neighborhood. After his death, Will finds his brother’s gun and sets out Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on November 21, 2019
Opioid, Indiana
This is an insightful, gritty, tender story of an orphaned teen, living in rural Indiana with his meth-addicted uncle when his uncle goes missing. Riggle gets suspended from high school, Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on October 17, 2019
Penny and Her Doll
When Penny receives a surprise gift in the mail from Gram, she is thrilled! The doll she finds inside is absolutely perfect and she falls in love with her immediately. Read more...
Song for a Whale
Twelve-year-old Iris understands the loneliness and frustration that come from the inability to communicate. Not only is she the only deaf child in her school, but her own father is Read more...
Posted by Adrian L. on July 1, 2019
The Death of Mrs. Westaway
Hal is a young woman hard on her luck. The debt collectors come knocking with threats of violence if she doesn’t pay off her mounting loan and she surely isn’t Read more...
The Bigfoot Files
Twelve-year-old Miranda Cho is a straight-A student, president of the student council, and extremely practical. Her mother Kat is an eccentric cryptozoologist who drives a Critter Mobile and runs a Read more...
Posted by Adrian L. on March 5, 2019
Last Pick
In the not so distant past (3 years ago), aliens invaded Earth and took as many 16 to 65-year-olds as they could collect, so long as they seemed useful. The Read more...
Loose Parts 2 : Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers
Loose Parts 2 offers numerous ideas for ways caregivers of infants and toddlers can support their child's development using materials that are readily available and often free or inexpensive. The Read more...
Besos For Baby: A Little Book of Kisses
Celebrate kisses, as gestures of love and friendship, in this bilingual board book. Baby wants kisses and loves sharing them with her parents, pets, and nature. Readers are introduced to Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on October 13, 2018
Coco
In this riveting, comedic and touching Hispanic rooted story, the main character, Miguel, becomes trapped in the land of the dead during the Day of the Dead, or Día de Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on September 18, 2018
Zach and Lucy and the Museum of Natural Wonders
Meet creative brother and sister duo, Zach and Lucy, whose escapades leave their neighbors curious, excited and maybe a little worried. The Pifferson Sisters and illustrator Mark Chambers have created Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on September 12, 2018
Mouse Loves Spring
Join author Lauren Thompson and Mouse in celebrating Spring. Erdogan’s bright acrylic paintings and Thompson’s nicely crafted guessing game introduce Mouse and readers to the joys that can be found Read more...
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World
When a tornado strikes town, Ivy’s house is destroyed beyond repair. Feeling invisible and ignored in the aftermath of the storm, Ivy internalizes her trauma. To make matters worse, Ivy’s Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on June 12, 2018
Dory Fantasmagory
More than anything, Dory’s family tells her, “Don’t.” Don’t make up stories, or friends, or adventures. Don’t get in the way. Don’t cause trouble. But Dory can’t help but do Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on May 18, 2018
Some Kind of Happiness
Finley’s parents are on the edge of a divorce and she is sent to live with grandparents she has never met. When the woods behind her grandparent’s house resemble her Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on February 23, 2018
Bradford Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out
While cleaning out the garage with their parents, Jada and Jamal stumble upon an old tent, inspiring the idea for a backyard barbeque and camp-out. Their neighborhood friends, Carlita and Read more...
Posted by Adrian L. on February 2, 2018
Gaston
One day, Gaston’s family goes to the park and meets Mrs. Bulldog’s family, which includes the feisty Antoinette. Gaston and Antoinette couldn’t be more different, but as the mothers’ look Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 30, 2017
The Hopefuls
Beth finds herself hating Washington, D.C. after she moves there for her husband Matt's career. In the middle of figuring things out, Matt and Beth become best friends with Matt's Read more...
Posted by Adult Services on November 9, 2017
Bad Romance
Grace’s home life is far from perfect. With a controlling step-father and a mom with undiagnosed OCD, Grace has a lot to overcome. Enter Gavin: dreamy, a musician, and a Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on October 20, 2017
The World from Up Here
Wren is an anxious twelve-year-old with many fears, especially of Witch Weatherly, the legendary old woman who lives by herself up on Creeper Mountain. When Wren’s mother is admitted to Read more...
Posted by Adrian L. on September 12, 2017
The Last Message Received
You don’t always remember the first words someone says to you, but you often remember the last. In this book by Emily Trunko and originally inspired by tumblr posts, readers Read more...
Beach Baby
A day at the beach comes to a close as the sun begins to set; a mother cuddles her sleepy little one, giving comfort and promises that more adventures await Read more...
We Are Okay
After tragedy struck, Marin left San Francisco behind, along with her home and everyone she knew. Staying alone in her New York dorm over winter break, she will be forced Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on August 11, 2017
Sofia Martinez: Abuela’s Birthday
Abuela’s (Grandma’s) birthday is coming up and Sofia wants to make her a nice surprise for her big day: a piñata! With the help of her cousins, Sofia’s progress on Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on March 23, 2017
Everywhere Babies
Babies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Still, they share so many traits. Each two page spread in this book begins with “every day, everywhere” and then shows with Read more...
A Man Called Ove
Ove doesn’t think he is ill-tempered, grumpy, or terse when conversing with other people, or dealing with a stray cat that thinks it should belong to him. However, when significant Read more...
Posted by Adult Services on January 3, 2017
Moo
Reena must turn the most ornery cow in all of Maine into a showable farm animal. The task seems impossible at first. The 800lb cow won’t budge an inch, except Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on December 17, 2016
Gone Fishing
Sam is eager to set off with his dad on their big fishing trip, but his plans veer off course when his obnoxious little sister Lucy decides at the last Read more...
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry, now the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, is struggling to balance his heavy workload and family life, and his scar has mysteriously Read more...
Posted by Book Rex on October 7, 2016
First & Then
The story borrows from Pride and Prejudice, yet forges its own identity, straying from its source material enough to keep you guessing what will happen. An unexpectedly touching, thoroughly delightful Read more...
Building Stories by Chris Ware
When Building Stories landed in circulation, fresh from processing, it certainly got my attention—not least because its heft seemed more suitable for constructing a library than being shelved in one. With Read more...
Posted by Kerry B. on August 5, 2013