Let’s face it. 2020 was an interesting year. Many of us turned to reading to escape into another world for awhile. We often get a lot of patron requests asking our staff for titles that we’ve enjoyed. To round out what’s been a long year, we present to you the best books that Warren Public Library staff, Board Members, and Friends read in 2020. Some of these books were published this year, others were published during previous years. Some of them are standalones, while others are part of a series. Some of them are true and some of them are complete works of fiction. We’ve read and enjoyed it all.
The best part of this list? They’re all available to borrow at Warren Public Library. We hope that you find your next read on this list and can’t wait to hear what you think!
We will be discussing some of these titles on an upcoming episode of Community Matters on 92 Gold which airs on Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM on 92 Gold and 104.3 Kinzua Country. Click here to learn more about the radio show (find all the episodes under the news area in the Community Matters section).
Looking to enjoy some of these titles as an ebook? Click here to view our curated Overdrive 2020 Favorite Reads list!
ADULT FICTION
The Amelia Peabody Series by Elizabeth Peters
Suggested by Beverly in Reference
Genre: Historical/Mystery
Books and eBooks Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Egyptology/Archaeology fiction: Action, adventure, mystery and romance, but comedic throughout. As the character herself says, “Many persons lead lives of crushing boredom.” — Elizabeth Peters (The Serpent on the Crown (Amelia Peabody, #17)) She, however, certainly does not!
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book, eBook and eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Confession: I do read a lot of children’s books, but I also stray over to adult and teen area for my literature fixes from there as well. I am a huge fan of audio books. Not only do I listen to them when traveling long distances, but I also listen to them when completing tasks around the house such as cooking, baking, and painting. This particular audio book kept me company while staining my deck this summer. See inside the life of Martha Patsy Jefferson, daughter of founding father Thomas Jefferson, told from Patsy’s point of view. Experience with Patsy her early years when her mother was alive; her close personal relationship with her father as he rose in service to his country and politics; her tumultuous marriage to Thomas Mann Randolph; her multifaceted relationship with her father’s concubine and family slave Sally Hemings. Did you know Sally Hemings was half-sister to Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson?
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
Suggested by Kelley in Children’s
Genre: Domestic Fiction/Historical Fiction/Mystery
Book and Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This book gets my best read for 2020 because I could not put it down. It is a mixture of romance, mystery, history, art and racism. The author did an awesome job of writing this book and connecting every character in an amazing circle of life. In addition, when I have a strong desire to visit the area where the story takes place, I know the book has a long lasting effect on me. Loved it!
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Historical Fiction
Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Set against Iceland’s stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution. Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. But as Agnes’s death looms, the farmer’s wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they’ve heard. Taking place in Iceland in 1828, “Burial Rites” is a (partially) fictionalized account of the life and death of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, a young woman found guilty of the murder of her lover. She was the last person executed in Iceland. Intriguing read.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Suggested by Ruth in the Business Office
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book, Audiobook, eBook and eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This book follows the story of a brother and sister and their bond and their short time in the Dutch House before their step mother forces them out. The book is about how the house has an effect on all who have lived there. The sister, Maeve and the stepmother can’t let it go but the brother and their mother don’t quite understand their power struggle and what the house means to them. The book is set over five decades and the story is told by the brother, Danny.
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Book, eBook and eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
A beautiful scarf, passed down through the generations, connects two women who learn that the weight of the world is made bearable by the love we give away…This sounded corny to me, but really was a very good story about the people who had a connection to this scarf. My third Susan Meissner read!
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Mystery
Book and Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
I devoured an advanced reader’s copy of this novel way back in January (it was released in June) and I couldn’t wait for everyone else to be able to read it. “The Guest List” feels like a modern day Agatha Christie novel. Each character has a motive to disrupt a wedding happening off the coast of Ireland…but when a body turns up, who is the victim and even more pressing – who is the killer amongst them?
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance
eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Book #2 in The Friend Zone series. Along my quest for RomCom escapist novels I discovered this book, which is actually second in a series. While this still delivered all the feels our real lives have lacked during the course of 2020, it was still more serious and showed more emotional depth than I originally thought it would. It still delivered on being a fun, sweet story – who doesn’t love naughty puppies as a plot device?? – and has that happily ever after many of us aren’t seeing in front of them right now. If you are a purist and need to read series in order, WPL has both this and the first in the series (titled The Friend Zone) on eAudiobook on Overdrive.
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Suggested by Zach in Circulation
Genre: Thriller
Book and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Home Before Dark is a story of a house with long-buried secrets and a woman’s quest to uncover them—even if the truth is far more terrifying than any haunting. Riley Sager does a great job creating a dark creepy atmosphere and a great plot. I could not put this book down once I started reading.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Fantasy
eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Book #1 in the Crescent City series. Sarah J. Maas is a heavy hitter in YA fantasy right now with two enormously successful series under her belt, and her foray into adult literature will not leave fans disappointed. Maas stretches her world-building skills to the max every time with interesting locations, multidimensional characters, and new takes on old fantasy tropes. In this highly-anticipated first installment of the Crescent City series, The House of Earth and Blood focuses on a half-fae/half-human named Bryce who seeks answers in her best friend’s murder. Unlike her YA novels, this sets the fantasy world in a contemporary, urban setting, which might appeal to readers who are not fans of historical settings.
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Chick Lit/Women’s Fiction/Contemporary Romance
eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This novel focuses on a timely problem: How much of our actual selves do we present to the world when trying to find love through technology like dating apps? The heroine in the story fears just that – and unexpectedly finds love at a no-tech retreat. The only problem is, despite having no access to tech, she still hides herself behind a fake persona. When they return to the real world, will they realize they have enough in common to continue their relationship, or did they fall in love with the pretense, technology or not? Sophie Kinsella is a class fan favorite of the Chicklit subgenre, and lovers of her older works will be happy to pick up a copy of Love Your Life. Kinsella’s humble yet funny British voice always makes her characters relatable and her readers invested, and this novel does not disappoint.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director and Kate, WPL Friends Group
Genre: Fiction
Book, eBook and eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Kelli says: Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon – the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But there is much more to Ove. Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. It took me a little while to get into this book, it is unusual, but now I am reading every Fredrik Backman book I can find!
March by Geraldine Brooks
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Historical and Domestic Fiction
Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Geraldine Brooks continues the Louisa May Alcott story of Little Women as she follows Mr. March when he leaves behind his family to aid the Union cause in the Civil War. His experiences will utterly change his marriage and challenge his most ardently held beliefs. Civil War facts are adapted to fit the story, and Geraldine Brooks uses them well to tell a story that all Little Women readers wondered about.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Speculative Fiction/Dystopia
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
In 2020, I challenged myself monthly to go back and reread some of my “favorite” books. Some months made me question why I liked certain books to begin with. However, the best reread by far was Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go.” It was one of the first books I read that I didn’t ruin by reading the ending first. This book holds up and the less you know going into it, the better. It really is beautifully written and heartbreakingly optimistic.
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Horror
Book and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
I can’t even begin to tell you how much horror I read in 2020. The trend started pre-pandemic and really accelerated once it was in full swing. “Night Film” reignited my love for the genre in early February. The title is a favorite of WPL’s Technical Services Manager Jenna, and I initially put it off as the book is surprisingly intimidating. At 602 pages, this book feels heavier than it looks and the story that unfolds successfully uses up each and every page. After the suicide of Ashley Cordova, the daughter of a legendary reclusive director, a disgraced investigative journalist teams up with an aspiring actress and a mysterious loner to figure out what really happened.
No Exit by Taylor Adams
Suggested by Jenna in Technical Services
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This is an excellent take on the locked-room mystery genre. A young woman is stranded at a remote truck stop during a snowstorm with four strangers, when she finds a young girl locked inside a car in the parking lot. The book takes place during one night of high action and desperate attempts to save the child. This one twists and turns and leaves readers guessing. I highly recommend this one for fans of Ruth Ware or Lucy Foley.
No Offense by Meg Cabot
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Book #2 in the Little Bridge Island Series. Millennials will fondly remember Meg Cabot’s tween and teen YA series, including the beloved Princess Diaries series, and will be pleasantly surprised that she translates her fun, well-developed writing style seamlessly from YA to adult fiction. Cabot sets this contemporary romance on a tiny island in the Florida Keys and takes full advantage of the landscape, weather, and laid-back attitudes of the locals as she builds the Little Bridge Island series. I was drawn to this in a desire for a little fun and fluffy reading in the middle of wrangling two kids in remote learning, transitioning library programming to all virtual services, and trying to keep my family safe – and it provided a few hours of silly escapism I needed. Having the main character as a young, awkward librarian didn’t hurt either!
WPL also owns the Book and eBook of the first book of this series, No Judgments.
The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
A thriller with a fresh twist. When she was a child, Eve Black’s entire family was murdered. The sole survivor of the serial killer who became known as The Nothing Man, Eve grows up to write the story of what happened not only to her family, but of the other victims as well. What makes this book so fun is that as the reader we’re treated to Eve’s book – along with the killer’s take as he reads it himself. A fast paced read, I devoured this one quickly.
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Suggested by Barb, Board Member
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Albert Einstein’s first wife, Mileva, was also a physicist and a mathematician. It has been wondered by many how much of Albert’s scientific breakthrough theories were created by bouncing ideas off of Mileva; with her actual help; or even perhaps were her ideas at first, then fleshed out by both of the couple. Mileva did not receive credit for her work, but as science is what bonded the couple together initially, it is easy to imagine that she probably had some input into the theories.
Paris Time Capsule by Ella Carey
Suggested by Annette, Friends & Board Member
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
An American, Cat Jordan, inherits the estate of a complete stranger, Isabelle de Florian. The estate includes a perfectly preserved Belle Époque apartment in Paris. Cat searches for answers to who is Isabelle de Florian? Why did she leave the estate to Cat and not her family? Why did Isabelle’s family know nothing about the apartment? Why did Isabelle walk away from the apartment decades ago? As Cat searches for answers, she becomes more involved with Isabelle’s grandson. First in a 3-part series.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Inspired by a true story, People of the Book traces the harrowing journey of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, a beautifully illuminated Hebrew manuscript created in 15th-century Spain. When it falls to Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, to conserve this priceless work, the series of tiny artifacts she discovers in its ancient binding – an insect wing fragment, wine stains, salt crystals, a white hair – only begin to unlock its deep mysteries and unexpectedly plunges Hanna into the intrigues of fine art forgers and ultra-nationalist fanatics. A fascinating look at the possibilities. All of Geraldine Brooks’s books are hard to put down!
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
Suggested by Jenna in Technical Services
Genre: Fantasy
Book and Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This is the fourth and latest entry in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive. The books in this series seem intimidating because they’re long, but the audio book is so enjoyable you’ll want it to keep going. Told from multiple perspectives, this is a rich fantasy world full of amazing characters and intrigue, and each book in the series has a more jaw-dropping twist than the previous one.
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Historical Fiction
eAudiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades…beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden–one that will test her convictions and her heart. A story about WWII in 1940s England. Susan Meissner’s books are well-written and intriguing. My first Susan Meissner read.
The Shadows by Alex North
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Thriller
Book and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Alex North is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I wasn’t sure how North would up the creep factor after “The Whisper Man” but “The Shadows” really outdid itself. It’s got everything you could want in a good thriller: Spookiness, unreliable characters, and oh man, the twistiest of twists. The narrator – Paul – returns to his hometown after many years away, having escaped following a massive tragedy. Of course, the past is never far away and pretty soon it becomes evident to Paul that maybe everything he thought he knew was wrong.
The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan
Suggested by Cathy in Circulation
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Book and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This book is about three sisters who discover, after the death of their father, that they have a half sister. Their new sister has come into their lives as the result of a DNA test that she took on a whim. Another enjoyable book.
A Taxonomy of Barnacles by Galt Niederhoffer
Suggested by Cathy in Circulation
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
I loved this book. It’s a very enjoyable read about the six daughters from a wealthy, very eccentric NYC family.
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Contemporary Romance
eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Let’s face it: 2020 has been a dumpster fire of weird and terribly things happening, and we can all use a little escapism now and then. If you are interested in reading a fun, light-hearted romance, You Deserve Each Other will suit your needs perfectly. Hogle’s twist on the typical enemies-to-lovers trope provides an interesting premise: What happens when you fall in love and plan to marry someone, only to fall out of love and now want nothing more than to end this relationship – but it’s a bit more complicated than that? Reading much more hilarious than heart wrenching, this slow-burn romance will have you forgetting that you only have 1.5 rolls of TP left again and focusing only on the shenanigans Hogle paints on the page. RomCom lovers will not regret it!
adult non-fiction
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Suggested by Kelli, WPL Director
Genre: Self-Help
Book, Audiobook and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy – from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives. Very interesting read – and you feel good when you’re finished!
Educated by Tara Westover
Suggested by Ruth in the Business Office
Genre: Memoir
Book, Audiobook and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
A favorite among book clubs. I was unable to attend the meeting where we discussed the book and wished that I could have heard what the other members thought. A true story of how having an “education” can separate families. Tara’s upbringing and relationship with her family is a story you will not forget.
Hue 1968 by Mark Bowden
Suggested by Leslie, Seneca Library District Consultant
Genre: History, War
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Mark Bowden, author of Blackhawk Down and Guests of the Ayatollah, returns with another story of war presented in a minute-by-minute account of Hue City, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, 1968. Bowden showcases the US Marines leading the fight to take back the city of Hue after it fell to the NVA and Viet Cong on the night of Tet. Set in a grueling house-by-house battle that lasted several weeks, Bowden shares histories of the individual soldiers as well as the most senior military and political leaders on both sides of the fight. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to read an accurate account of one of the most important urban battles of the 20th century written in the perspective of the US Marines who fought the battle. Ultimately, the cost in lives and treasure at Hue City marked the most pivotal turning point of US involvement in Southeast Asia, and marked the beginning of the end of the Vietnam War.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: History
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
A horrifying true story about the women who painted watch dials with radium in the 1920s and 1930s, utilizing a method where they’d point their radium coated brushes using their lips. When the women started getting terrifyingly sick, they had an uphill battle to get compensation from the workplace. I’ve read a lot of horror this year and this book has been the most horrifying read of them all…and it’s all true.
Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh
Suggested by Julie in Interlibrary Loan
Genre: Memoir/Graphic Novel/Humor
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Heartbreaking and hysterical, Allie Brosh returned after a 7-year hiatus with Solutions and Other Problems. Her artwork may be simple, but it’s accessible. Brosh paints such a realistic picture of depression, but in a way that makes others who suffer from the disorder to feel both loved and understood.
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
Suggested by Barb, Board Member and Annette, Friends & Board Member
Genre: Biography and Memoir/European World History
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Barb: Until now Virginia Hall, an American woman, has been an unsung hero of World War II. She was amazing in what she overcame in her life so much so that if this were not a true story the reader might think the plot was too unreal to be accurate and factual. Virginia was rejected in several jobs because of her gender and/or because of a physical handicap. But she became one of Britain’s best spies and greatly aided the French Resistance against the Nazis — no small projects indeed.
Annette: The story of Virginia Hall, the American socialite turned spy who helped win WWII. Virginia was one of the earliest Special Operations Executive agents sent by Britain into Nazi/Vichy France to stir up Resistance. She laid critical groundwork for organized Resistance and led a cell herself. This book tells of Virginia’s obstacles she faced from enemies and allies. Virginia’s story should be in all the history books.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Fantasy
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Book #1 of the Ash Princess trilogy. This is what I like to call the new modern YA fantasy trope – strong female main character who returns from a challenging childhood to exact revenge and take over things with a group of mixed rebels and powerful allies and enemies. This is super popular right now, and some are better than others. Sebastian does an admirable job developing characters you want to be invested in, and the series doesn’t lose steam throughout the series like some trilogies do.
WPL has the following for each book: Ash Princess (Book #1): print; Lady Smoke (Book #2): Book/eAudiobook/eBook; Ember Queen (Book #3): eBook
The Beautiful by Renee’ Ahdieh
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Historical Fiction/Mystery/Horror
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Book #1 of a 4-part series. The vampire paranormal romance genre was very crowded for a long time, leading to many authors to eplore other YA fantasy subgenres. Renee’ Ahdieh has brought vampires back with a vengeance (no pun intended), setting her paranormal world in the oft-used city of New Orleans, but readers will be pleasantly surprised at her fresh take on an old theme. Fans of horror will enjoy the at-times graphic violence, mystery readers will enjoy the heroine’s commitment to uncovering a string of murders, and historical fiction aficionados will appreciate the references to real-life “casket girls” in 19th century NOLA. The second installment is no disappointment either, and fans of longer series will be excited to know there are at least two more in the works!
WPL also owns Book #2: The Damned.
I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Historical Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Our most recent Teen Reading Lounge book club pick features an unfortunately timely story about two girls, virtual strangers with nothing culturally in common before this night, get quite literally thrown together in the midst of a misunderstanding that quickly escalates to violence and rioting. Racial tensions are a focus of this novel, but more importantly is exploring the perspective of young people in these situations and how they rely on each other when they cannot rely on any adults. It was written from the alternating perspectives of a white girl and a black girl, and it was co-written by white and black authors, providing authentic, realistic viewpoints. It is an important book when thinking about prejudice versus racism, protesting versus rioting, and our perceptions of each.
Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
#6 in the Shatter Me series. This is the culminating series finale in a series that focuses on a teenager named Juliette with deadly powers who must fight to overthrow the oppressive world state. This may sound like just another YA dystopian thriller, but Mafi’s lyrical writing style and ability to mix humor with horror, excitement and sadness will keep you invested and interested. With six full-length novels and four novellas in the series, this finale is well-deserved by its readers.
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Suggested by Jen in Teen & Adult Services
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Book and eBook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This was our original Teen Reading Lounge book club pick, and it was wildly popular for all members of the group from the 12-year-old seventh grade girl to the 15-year-old sophomore boy to the 3o-something group leader. Lovers of the mystery and thriller genres will not be disappointed with its nonlinear timeline, red herrings, and huge surprise twists. It is also loosely based on several timely true events dealing with violence against young black women, and the novel served to open up a fresh, honest dialogue between our teens and facilitators. Trigger warning: There are instances of abuse, domestic violence, racism, mental illness, and substance abuse dealt with in the book, though a mature middle-grade teen can still be expected to handle these themes, especially with the right support.
CHILDREN’S FICTION
The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
Suggested by Kelley in Children’s
Genre: Picture Book
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This is my all-time favorite book to read to the children during story time. They love it. It’s a story about the courage of animals dealing with a greedy owner. The story has many life lessons to teach children as you read it. Chris Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of the book. The pictures are as amazing as the story line. In about the middle of the book there is a 2 page spread of a hidden picture search with the animals cleverly hidden amongst the town. It makes a great Christmas gift for kids.
Guest: A Changeling Tale by Mary Downing Hahn
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Fantasy
Book and Audiobook Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Mary Downing Hahn is one of my go-to authors when in the mood for something a bit scary. When Mollie’s sweet little baby brother is stolen by the Kinde Folke and replaced with a repugnant, ill-mannered little changeling, Mollie is determined to get her little brother back. Mollie sneaks off in the night with the repugnant changeling, who they call Guest, and travels through the forest. While there are many natural and unnatural challenges she has to face, one of the biggest challenges is her own reckless temperament. On the audiobook version, narrator Shelley Anderson really adds to the story with her Irish lilt.
I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Did you ever hear about the molasses flood in Boston that killed 21 people and injured about 150 people? Yes, a flood of thick and sugary molasses. Relive this horrific event that flooded streets, crushed buildings, trapped animals and people through the eyes of Tony and Carmen, 12-year old immigrant children. For decades the sickly sweet smell of molasses lingered from nooks and crannies in Boston’s North End neighborhood. This is just one of the popular I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis, which can be found in the Children’s Department.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Graphic Novel/Realistic Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Against his wishes, the parents of seventh grader Jordan Banks send him to a prestigious private school, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. Soon Jordan finds himself torn between two worlds, that of his neighborhood and that of his school, and he is not really fitting into either. Middle School is hard enough without the added pressure of being a new kid. How can Jordan navigate his new school culture, keep his neighborhood friends, and stay true to himself? Great story that shares the perspective of several different students. We learn that often, what we assume of others, is not true at all.
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Graphic Novel/Realistic Fiction
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
Co-author Omar Mohamed and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their young lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Heartbreak, hope and gentle humor exist together in this graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting, and a young man who is able to create a sense of family and home in a difficult setting. Right now we are all suffering from the effects of COVID-19 on our lives, but reading a story about those who endure suffering and want for years helps put some of our current suffering in perspective.
CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Biography
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
The author, James L. Swanson, shares the birthdate of February 12 with our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Swanson has been fascinated with Abe Lincoln since childhood. This well-researched account includes the days leading up to Lincoln’s assassination, the assassination itself, and the wild chase to find the killer and all accomplices. The day-to-day accounts reads like a thriller and includes many historic photographs of people, places and newspaper clippings. This version, written for young people, is based on Mr. Swanson’s Manhunt: the Twelve Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, which is written for adults.
How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg
Suggested by Susan in Children’s
Genre: Biography
Book Available at Warren Public Library
What’s it about?
This book’s introduction begins with the following in large letters: WARNING: If You Don’t Have the Guts for Gore, Do Not Read This Book. With that enticement, it was fascinating to read about the gory details of the final days of people such as King Tut, Cleopatra, Henry VIII, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Napoleon Bonaparte and fourteen others. Did you know that our twentieth president, James Garfield, was shot while waiting for a train at a train station? This was years before the Secret Service protected our presidents. And while President Garfield sustained two shots, he may have survived if the doctors who attended him knew anything about germs. Numerous doctors probed his wounds with unwashed and ungloved fingers, poking about trying to locate the bullet. Infection soon set in and wreaked havoc on his body. President Garfield managed to hang on for about two months before his body succumbed. As the book states, “Garfield would have lived if the doctors had kept their dirty hands off of him.”
