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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 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 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...

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 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...

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 on January 12, 2024

Remarkably Bright Creatures

A delightful book full of heart, humor and acceptance of things we cannot change.

Posted by 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 on October 5, 2021

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David Miller can eat a large pepperoni pizza in 4 minutes and 36 seconds. His parents are not impressed.

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 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...

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...

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 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.

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.

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 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...

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 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.

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...

Posted by on August 13, 2020

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 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...

Posted by on May 28, 2020

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 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 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...

Posted by on March 31, 2020

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 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...

Posted by on February 13, 2020

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 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 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 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...

Posted by on October 5, 2019

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 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...

Posted by on March 11, 2019

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 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...

Posted by on February 27, 2019

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...

Posted by on February 19, 2019

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 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 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 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...

Posted by on July 5, 2018

Us

Us tries to be a funny, reflective novel about Douglas’s flaws, but Nicholls’s idea of “funny” appears to be making Douglas miserable, and then having his family laugh at him.

Posted by on June 28, 2018

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...

Posted by on September 12, 2017

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...

Posted by on August 11, 2017

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 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 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...

Posted by on March 2, 2017

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 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 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...

Posted by on November 10, 2016

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 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...

Posted by on September 11, 2016

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 on August 5, 2013

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