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The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead

What would you do if you found a secret in the pages of a book? Fifth grader Evan McClelland gets more than he expects when he borrows books from a...

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat

Christina and Megan have been best friends for years, but middle school brings new challenges. They live in a small Texas town where being popular seems important, and fitting in...

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

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...

Posted by on September 1, 2024

Orange by Ichigo Takano

On the day Naho begins 11th grade, she forgets to set her alarm and oversleeps for the first time in her life. As she rushes out the door, she notices...

Posted by on August 15, 2024

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness

Worm and caterpillar are friends, and worm believes they have almost everything in common.  As time goes on and more differences appear, can they still be friends?  The book ends...

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

For fans of books like Oona out of Order by Margarita Montimore and Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale or the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The Husbands by...

Posted by on August 1, 2024

Gather Round by David Covell

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...

Posted by on July 3, 2024

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros 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....

A Duck in a Sock: Four Phonics Stories by Elspeth Rae

This collection of four decodable stories is specially designed to help new readers aged 6 – 8 years overcome language-based learning difficulties. This first book in the Meg and Greg...

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner

Vega has begrudgingly moved to a new city and she needs to make friends.  Her parents are sure that summer camp is the solution.  Vega disagrees.  This camp also seems...

Posted by on September 1, 2023

Tegan and Sara: Junior High by Tegan Quin & Sara Quin

Junior High is a middle-grade graphic novel about twin sisters navigating the world of middle school after a move to a new town. Written by real life twins and musicians,...

What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie

Twelve year old Ginny and her older brother Leo are not pleased to be spending a whole month of summer vacation with their parents deep in the Saugatuck woods at...

Barb The Last Berzerker by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

An endless war has been waged between humans and monsters, and only the bravest among them—The Berzerkers—can defeat the monsters and save the world of Bailiwick once and for all!...

Milo’s Monster by Tom Percival

The latest in the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival deals with the feelings of jealousy. Milo and his best friend Jay were always together but when the new...

Megabat by Anna Humphrey

Megabat is a charming page turner about a boy who moves to a new town and a new house that just might be haunted…. Or is it? Daniel Misumi finds...

Posted by on April 6, 2023

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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

Posted by on April 1, 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...

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...

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

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...

Posted by on May 26, 2022

The Jane Austen Book Society by Natalie Jenner

A group of Jane Austen fans come together in the sleepy town of Chawton to help save what is left of their beloved heroines legacy.

Posted by on November 30, 2021

Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner

Its tough feeling ordinary, especially when your friends are all out having epic summer adventures. From bungee jumps to volcano hikes, AJ can’t help but feel that his summer spent...

Fish and Sun by Sergio Ruzzier

Fish is cold and bored in his dark underwater home, so he swims up to the water’s surface. Soon after, warm Sun comes out. Fish and Sun become fast friends...

Posted by on October 21, 2021

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina has always been different and shut away. Living with her Pa in the basement at the Biltmore Estate she has never been allowed to interact with other people. One...

A Magic Spark by Jessica Young

This first book in the Fairylight Friends series from Scholastic Books is aimed at helping beginning readers develop skill, confidence, and joy in reading. The plot follows three best friends...

Lost in the Library: a Story of Patience & Fortitude by Josh Funk

Fortitude and Patience are the stone lions sitting outside the New York City Public Library, silently watching and guarding the building. They come to life every night to talk to...

Posted by on April 15, 2021

Teen Romance Reads

Discover new titles and old favorites from this list of YA fiction romances. Geekerella by Ashley Poston Geek girl Ellie hopes to go to ExcelsiCon Cosplay to meet the actor...

Posted by on February 25, 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...

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.

The Good Egg

This Good Egg spends his entire time being the only good egg in his little dozen. The stress of keeping everyone in line is so much for him that his...

Posted by on December 17, 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,...

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...

Posted by on December 11, 2020

Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan

Veronica Clarke is a model student getting ready to head to an Ivy League school. Her parents are proud of her, her best friends depend on her, and her perfect...

Posted by on November 12, 2020

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Snapdragon enters the house of the town witch to save her dog Good Boy. Only the witch didn’t hurt Snap’s dog, she helped him after he got hit by car....

Posted by on October 22, 2020

The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland

If you have ever wanted to be a dragon, this series is for you! Different dragon clans of Pyrrhia have been at war for centuries with no end in sight....

Posted by on October 15, 2020

Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz

What if Bruce Wayne made his way back to Gotham a little sooner than everyone thought? What if he and the Joker were actually school mates? Maybe even friends?  Long...

Posted by on September 3, 2020

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris

A curious bear embarks on a fast-moving adventure when he steps onto a log leaning over a river. Along the way he meets a diverse cast of friends, all with...

Posted by on August 20, 2020

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Stereotypes and expectations can be difficult, especially when they come from your peers. New Kid by Jerry Craft tells the story of 12 year old Jordan Banks as he embarks...

Posted by on July 30, 2020

Go With the Flow by Lily Williams

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are all fed up with the fact that their high school never has enough, or even any, pads or tampons in the girls bathroom....

Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan

A girl named Nicky and big brown dog named Barkus become fast friends when Nicky’s favorite uncle unexpectedly drops him off at her house. Each of the five short chapters...

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

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...

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

“With enough time, you can get used to almost anything.” This book is a fictional story based on Ivan the Silverback, who lived out the end of his life in...

Ghoulia by Barbara Cantini

Ghoulia longs for a real friend. Not that her trusted greyhound Tragedy isn’t doing a good enough job at it, but she wishes she could find friends she can just...

Posted by on April 10, 2020

People Share with People by Lisa Wheeler

Author Lisa Wheeler and illustrator Molly Idle’s address one of the building blocks of friendship in their new book, People Share with People. Using a lyrical rhyme scheme filled with humor,...

Posted by on March 12, 2020

The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta

When Danny and her mother move to Tempest, California, Danny thinks this move was to get away from her old life. But in Tempest, Danny finds the Grays: a group...

Odd One Out by Nic Stone

Odd One Out tells the story of three teenagers dealing with sexuality, gender identity,  labels, and the pressures that come with each. Courtney, Rae, and Jupiter all get the opportunity...

Posted by on February 6, 2020

Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) by Ashley Poston

"Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite." Nerd and fan-girl extraordinaire Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, her favorite science fiction world. Growing up in the shadow of her stepsisters and...

Posted by on January 23, 2020

Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship by Kelly Light by Kelly Light

Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship tells a lighthearted story about the importance of respecting each other’s artistic perspectives, and finding the beauty in collaboration.  Louise is over the...

Posted by on December 19, 2019

Fergus and Zeke by Heather Ross and Kate Messner

Fergus the mouse (and class pet in Miss Maxwell’s classroom) loves to learn and follow along with the students. When it is time for the students to go on a...

People Don’t Bite People by Lisa Wheeler

This book on manners tackles the issue of biting with a playful and positive approach that encourages young readers who are “tooth-inclined” to use their words and own their actions,...

The Bigfoot Files by Lindsay Eagar

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...

Bear’s Scare by Jacob Grant

Bear’s Scare is an utterly charming, delightfully illustrated story about a very tidy bear, a friend in need, and an unexpected visitor (I’m going to warn you right now, this...

Posted by on December 12, 2018

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

At first glance, a man called Ove is a grouchy, mean-spirited, private person. He completes his daily morning inspection of the neighborhood, alerts the proper authorities when the 24 hour...

Posted by on December 6, 2018

The Lido by Libby Page

Kate Matthews, a shy, pretty young woman, is making her start as a reporter for a newspaper in Brixton, a small neighborhood in London. Tasked with interviewing the locals about...

Posted by on December 4, 2018

Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier

Blackthorn is the epitome of a strong, independent woman. Unfortunately, she is being unduly imprisoned under the ruler Mathuin of Laios for a crime she did not commit. After a...

Posted by on November 11, 2018

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand

Victoria Wright's best friend Lawrence has disappeared and no one is talking about it. Victoria must decide to keep up with her perfect routine or start investigating. With more children...

Besos For Baby: A Little Book of Kisses by Jen Arena

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...

The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell

The Cardboard Kingdom shows that every kid not only belongs in an adventure, but also deserves to have a hand in creating it.

The Un-Friendship Bracelet (Craftily Ever After) by Martha Maker

This first in the Craftily Ever After series introduces two best friends, Maddie and Emily, who love to create together. When new girl Bella joins their classroom, Maddie begins a...

Poor Little Rabbit! by Jörg Mühle

Poor Little Rabbit has fallen down and has hurt his elbow. In this little interactive board book, the reader is asked to comfort and care for Little Rabbit to make...

Learning to Drive by Isabel Coixet

Learning to Drive is a leisurely, character-driven movie billed as a "comedy drama" but its overall tone is more hopeful and reflective than hilarious.

The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta

It’s not until her twelfth birthday that Kiranmala discovers she’s a demon-slaying princess, and not just a normal girl from New Jersey.

Posted by on August 13, 2018

Beep and Bob: Too Much Space by Jonathan Roth

After failing to fail his entrance exam, Bob has started school at Astro Elementary, the only school located in the orbit of an outer planet, but there’s just one problem:...

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is cursed. After a life of being accused of causing other people’s misfortunes, Morrigan escapes her fate when a quirky man named Jupiter North selects her to be...

Posted by on June 26, 2018

Dream Jumper: Nightmare Escape by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom

Ben spends a lot of time in other people’s dreams. Literally. When Ben falls asleep, he gains the ability to “jump” into people’s heads, navigating the dream world and more-than-occasionally...

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Blake

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...

Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

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...

A Pig, A Fox, and A Box by Jonathan Fenske

Fox and Pig are two friends who couldn’t be more different. Fox is little and Pig is big.  Our friend Fox loves to play tricks on Pig, but those tricks...

Peachy and Keen: A School Tail by Jason Tharp

This 96 page series opener about friendship and overcoming challenges boasts eight pun-filled chapters and a varied cast of animals, both real and mythical.

Mrs. Dole is Out of Control by Dan Gutman

A.J. is graduating second grade and he can’t wait for summer; he just has to get through graduation first. However, the son of the new PTA president (Mrs. Dole) is...

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris

Runaway Carter always thought magic was only used to trick or steal, so when he arrives in a small New England town, he is surprised by illusionist Dante Vernon, who...

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Pax, a pet fox, has been inseparable from his boy, Peter, ever since he found him at only a few weeks old. When Peter’s father enlists in the war and...

Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth by James Dean

The Tooth Fairy, busy as ever, accepts Pete the Cat’s offer to help deliver coins in exchange for lost teeth. Enjoy James Dean’s iconic style with this newest addition to...

Ugly Girls by Lindsay Hunter

Baby Girl and Perry are passing their time cutting class, shoplifting, stealing cars, etc., when both are simultaneously contacted by an alleged high school student from a neighboring town, Jamey....

Posted by on February 21, 2018

Bradford Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out by Jerdine Nolen

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...

The Library Book by Michael Mark and Tom Chapin

One morning a young girl decides to take a walk to her local library to check out some books. With each book she picks up the stories characters come out...

Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella by Cerrie Burnell

The day Harper finds out she owns a secret magical umbrella, is the same day her cat Midnight goes missing. With her friends in toe, some new and some old,...

Posted by on December 15, 2017

Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander

Friendship, humor, and mystery: This book has it all! Wallace and Grace Take the Case is the first story in what promises to be a fun beginning chapter book series.

Posted by on December 7, 2017

Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley

A family curse, some attempted heroism, and a mythical golden alligator named Munch: How will Blue Montgomery and Tumble Wilson survive summer vacation?

Posted by on November 24, 2017

Batgirl and The Birds of Prey (Rebirth, Vol. 1): Who is Oracle? by Julie Benson

The name “Oracle” has been haunting Babs – no, literally. The criminals she takes down seem to be getting their information from Oracle, and what’s worse, it looks like they’re...

Posted by on November 9, 2017

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

Sometimes it's scary being a small dog in a big world. Meet Eleanor, a young girl, and her timid dog Sukie, as they enjoy a day at the beach. Well,...

Posted by on October 27, 2017

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson

While out skipping rocks on the water, fourth grader Phoebe happens upon a unicorn: Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Grateful to be freed from the imprisonment of her own magnificence and spellbinding...

Brick by Brick by Guiliano Ferri

Open to the first page of this wordless book and you’ll see a little mouse, gazing up at flowers poking through a crack in a tall brick wall. The mouse...

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Abby and Gretchen are typical 80’s high school girls  preoccupied with boys, parties, make-up and rock music. Wanting to be the first “normal” people in their school to trip, they decide...

Posted by on August 23, 2017

Archie the Daredevil Penguin by Andy Rash

On this laugh out loud trip to Antarctica, old friends are always by your side and new friends can be found in the most unexpected places.

Posted by on August 17, 2017

The Mesmerist by Ronald L. Smith

13 year old Jessamine can see people’s thoughts and speak to the dead. To learn about her newfound powers she is shipped off the live with a family friend, in...

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

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...

Posted by on August 11, 2017

Don’t Wake Up the Tiger by Britta Teckentrup

Tiger is asleep, but she is blocking the way of Frog, Fox, Turtle, Mouse, and Stork. Our animal friends will need the reader’s help to make it to their party...

Posted by on August 1, 2017

Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Zoe is not always a perfect character, prone to selfish behavior that only makes things more awkward or difficult, but her snark and sarcasm bring a levity to this melancholy...

Posted by on July 20, 2017

The Kraken’s Rules for Making Friends by Brittany R. Jacobs

Making friends can be a challenge, especially if you have a temper and are a legendary sea monster. If the Great White Shark can make friends, maybe Kraken can too,...

Posted by on July 7, 2017

Cat Knit by Jacob Grant

Sometimes our friends change, this is a lesson that Cat and the reader explore in Grant’s work Cat Knit. Grant’s limited color palette has readers focusing on the humor of...

Posted by on June 14, 2017

The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat

In The Cookie Fiasco, four friends want to eat cookies, but there are only three cookies.With a shortage of this tasty treat, will the Squirrels have to share, or will...

Posted by on May 18, 2017

Rabbit Magic by Meg McLaren

In Rabbit Magic, Monsieur Lapin gets the surprise of his life: his assistant Houdini takes over the show! McLaren’s use of pastels allows the magic show to really pop on...

Posted by on April 9, 2017

A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker

This is a story about irritable Bear and his first trip to the library. Bear has never been to a library, and he does not want to go. One day...

Posted by on January 13, 2017

Moo by Sharon Creech

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...

Building Stories by Chris Ware 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...

Posted by on August 5, 2013

Book Recs