Reviews

Our Favorite Reads in 2024 So Far

Emily B. — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:53:08 +0000

There are two truths about working in a library that are equally true: we love to read around here and we never read as much (or as quickly) as we want! Sometimes, our favorite reads are books that are months, years, or decades old, but we've just discovered them. Sometimes, we read a current best-seller and fall in love with it. Either way, we wanted to share some of our staff's favorite reads they've encountered in 2024 so far. Have your favorites made this list?

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

Author Andrew Joseph White creates another terrifying and supernaturally altered world where sci-fi blends with real world points of interest—a world where teens must fight to survive in a society that aims to silence their voices and control their bodies. We follow a teen desperately driven to save himself and his peers so that they may continue the fight for truth and empathy. While both riveting and trigger heavy, I highly recommend this novel to any with an interest in body horror or trans centered stories. –Mallory G.

Project Hail Mary

The story begins with an astronaut waking up with amnesia. It's hard sci-fi, but also heartwarming! One of the characters speaks using musical notes, so the audiobook format is preferred if you wish to hear those tones. –Shelby R.

The One

Discover a universe in which people can be matched with their perfect person through DNA sample. It's written from the individual perspectives of six characters, but it was a quick and entertaining read for sure! I'd say it's a sci-fi/thriller of sorts. –Francie M.

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store

Hands down, my favorite of the year. Fantastic storytelling on par with The Gentleman from Moscow by Amor Towles (if you haven't read this, put down whatever you're reading and read it). –Dana D.

Silver in the Wood

Since starting the Short Attention Span Book Club, I've been reading so many novellas and short stories. I find them everywhere I look, and one of my favorites so far has definitely been Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh. Part folk story, part myth, part magic, part macabre, this slim volume made me feel and think deeply. If you're looking for a short book that is utterly captivating, this one might be for you! –Emily B.

What have been some of your favorite reads and unexpected surprises in your reading life this year? We'd love for you to share your faves with us on social media (find us @mcplindiana)! Nothing notable so far? Let us suggest your next read! Visit our personalized recommendations page, tell us a bit about yourself, and our staff will come up with some items we think you'll love!

Well Said Intro: Pronunciation for Clear Communication

aloudenb — Wed, 10 May 2023 21:53:23 +0000

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The Well Said series is designed to improve the pronunciation and communication skills of beginner to advanced students from all language backgrounds. It offers a clear course plan covering the essential areas of pronunciation, including stress, rhythm, and intonation–features that research shows help students the most. Additionally, there are over 50 pages of activities that focus on consonant and vowel sounds. The intro level of Well Said is a slower-paced course that introduces the most important pronunciation features at the beginning to low-intermediate level.

This series is designed to improve pronunciation and communication for beginner-advanced English speakers. Each chapter begins with objectives and a summary, making it easy to break down learner goals into manageable chunks. One of our favorite perks of this series is the supplemental audio, found on their Student Companion website. You can access audio tracks without having to create an account. It works on all devices, including your mobile phone. This series can be used for self-study, or in a one-to-one tutoring pair. After you master the concepts learned in the intro book, you can move on to Well Said: Pronunciation for Clear Communication, Fourth Edition.

You can even try a sample lesson (PDF).

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Well Said Intro: Pronunciation for Clear Communication

Button Pusher

Kim B. — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:41:55 +0000

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Tyler was the kind of kid who couldn't sit still at school and couldn't explain why he was acting the way he did. But when he started a new medicine called Ritalin, he was able to pay attention in class and focus. At the time, he hadn't heard the term "Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder" (it was actually called Attention Deficit Disorder when he was growing up), but that's what he was experiencing.

This autobiographical memoir of one kid's experience growing up with ADHD is such an eyeopening read. Throughout it, we not only get the story of Tyler's struggles with ADHD, but the story of his rocky home life with a parent who experiences adult symptoms of ADHD. Peppered throughout the story, Tyler offers information about ADHD, what happens in brains with ADHD, how the medicine affects the brain, and some history on ADHD as a diagnosis.

I loved reading Tyler's story! It held my attention the whole way through, and the informational elements were carefully explained and hit the story at the perfect time. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in mental health education, growing up in the 1980s-1990s, ADHD, or anyone who loves to read great books! This book is recommended for ages 10–14.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children's Librarian.

Miss Quinces

Kim B. — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 22:50:21 +0000

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Sue (Suyapa) does not want to have a quinceañera where she'd be required to wear a poofy dress and dance around, so when her mom surprises her by having planned one and invited guests during a family trip to Honduras, Sue isn't happy. That is, until she makes a deal with her mom: 1 quinceañera for 1 overnight sleep camp with her friends. However, preparing for the celebration takes a tragic turn when Sue's beloved grandmother passes away suddenly.

I love this sweet (and sad) coming-of-age graphic novel. I especially loved seeing Sue gain some of the independence she desperately craves while making connections with her family and her heritage. Recommended for readers ages 8–12.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children's Librarian

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Miss Quinces

Pony

Kim B. — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 22:22:31 +0000

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When Silas's father is taken away in the middle of the night by a group of outlaws who seem to mistaken him for someone else, Silas knows he has to do something. With his best friend, a ghost named Mittenwool, Silas heads out to rescue his pa while riding his beautiful bald-faced pony. Will Silas be able to rescue his pa? And what's so special about his pony? Read this book to find out!

I didn't know too much about this book before I started reading it and thought it would be a horse story more than anything else, but there is so much more going on here; it kept me guessing and surprised me! I also loved the daguerreotypes leading each chapter and feel these and the discussions of photography throughout the book would make this a great read for anyone interested in photography and history! Recommended for readers age 10 and up.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children's Librarian

Both Can Be True

Ginny H. — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:53:41 +0000

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Ash is a middle schooler who loves music, is a synesthete who can see sounds, and is figuring out their gender identity after being bullied at their last school for being a “flip flop freak.” It doesn’t help that Ash’s dad is putting more and more pressure on them to just choose a gender and “stick with it.” Then Ash meets Daniel at their new school. Daniel is a photography fan, kind, in-tune with his emotions, scared his parents are going to get a divorce, and mourning the loss of his dog. When Daniel saves an older dog who is about to be euthanized because the owner doesn’t want to care for the elderly dog, their worlds collide and suddenly, Ash and Daniel are pinned together in this mission—save Chewbarka at all costs.

This unapologetic look at the real struggles and triumphs that are a part of middle school life is funny, poignant, and emotional in all the right ways. While the book contained a few missed opportunities of verbalizing and giving a direct challenge to transphobic behavior, overall it showcased a very realistic experience that a LGBTQ+ child might go through and can be a fantastic conversation starter on taking up the space you deserve and claiming your own identity.

Fans of the realistic fiction genre, Alex Gino’s Melissa (George), or the Sunny Series by Jennifer L. Holm will find relatable moments in this book. Readers who are especially sensitive to the concept of animal euthanasia may want to proceed with caution. Suggested for ages 9-12+

Reviewed by Ginny H.

Living With Viola

Ginny H. — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:23:23 +0000

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Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.

This fun and funny graphic novel gives life to the concept of anxiety by featuring it as a real figure (Viola) in which Livy can interact with. Negative self-talk, worries, and feelings of overwhelming pressure plague Livy on a daily basis, but as soon as she asks her parents for help, she begins to feel relief as she learns to coexist with her anxiety.

Fans of Raina Telegemeier's Smile Series or Cece Bell's El Deafo will love the humor, real-life scenarios, and relatable characters. Recommended for ages 8-12.

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I Love You Because I Love You

Kim B. — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 17:28:50 +0000

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This children's picture book contains simple, poetic words but it expresses powerful emotion. The beautiful illustrations depict diverse characters experiencing the joys and security that unconditional love offers. I recommend reading this book with someone you love just because you love them.

Reviewed by Christa S., Senior Information Assistant

I Love You Because I Love You

Shirley & Jamila Save their Summer

Kim B. — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:21:50 +0000

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Jamila has to find a way to avoid going to boring old Science Camp and spend more time shooting hoops! So when oddball Shirley Bones offers a deal that will keep Jamila out of camp, Jamila jumps at the offer. There is only one problem - Shirley is weird. But soon, Jamilia realizes that Shirley isn't just weird, she's a detective! The two girls set out to solve the case of the missing gecko and save their summer!

This book is a wonderfully fun mystery with a lovely tale of friendship. If you fall in love with Shirley and Jamila like I did, then be sure to take a look at the sequel Shirley & Jamila's Big Fall.

Fans of books about friendship like Shannon Hale's Real Friends and for fans of mysteries like Kate Petty's The Leak: For the Love of Truth.

Recommended for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Kim B. Children's Librarian

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Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Ginny H. — Mon, 16 May 2022 19:27:42 +0000

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Mary, born into slavery in 1868, loved watching the birds fly free in the sky while she worked in the fields. She wanted to be free too! But she had to keep working. No time for rest. No time to learn. Even when Mary and her family were freed from slavery she still had to work hard.

One day, Mary was given a Bible, but all she could see were squiggly lines! Mary became determined to learn to read but there was always work to be done and a family to raise. Late in life, Mary said, "No more waiting! Time to learn!" You'll be amazed to learn Mary's age when she finally learned to read and became truly free.

This true story definitely shows that you are never too old to learn. I love how this book is full of hope and the vibrant collage illustrations by Coretta Scott King award winner, Oge Mara, really help tell the story in this amazing picture book biography. There are even real photos of Mary on the front and back covers.

Recommended for ages 4–8 but all ages will love this story of resilience and determination.

Reviewed by Tressa R.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

My Pet Human

Kim B. — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 16:30:29 +0000

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This first-chapter book stars an adorable tuxedo cat who loves living the outdoor life! It can hang out with its friends (other animals in the neighborhood), has lots of great places to eat, and doesn't have to worry about any pesky humans. All of the cat's animal friends have human pets with the weirdest habits and flaws––one human stays in their room all day and another's group of mini-humans jumps all over it. When a new human, a nice one, moves into an abandoned house and gives the cat some yummy tuna mac-and-cheese, the cat tries to train it to make its own "human pet."

This book is so cute and the pictures are really delightful. I love that the story is told from the cat's point of view! It is so funny. If you love cats or stories about animals this would be a good book for you! Recommended for ages 6–10.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children's Librarian

Another Kind

Kim B. — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:16:55 +0000

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Deep in the desert, not too far from infamous Area 51, is a government facility called the Playroom. In this secret facility are a group of six kids, who are not-quite-human. While the Playroom is a refuge for them, it is also an enclosure. A security breach soon propels them into the world––a world dangerous for "irregularities." Before they know it, this group of clever and funny kids is being hunted by employees of the government, UFO conspiracy theorists, and a mysterious and malevolent "Collector."

This graphic novel features a cast of diverse characters searching for a place to call home, as well as incredible art and some snarky, funny dialogue. If you like books with adventure & beautiful art, a high-stakes plot (without any world ending), and cryptids(!), check it out.

This graphic novel has a few informative discussions by characters on the use of non-binary pronouns and is a sweet character exploration with minimal romance. However, the book uses "Lizard People" as a plot point––without regard or explanation that a reptilian conspiracy theory does exist, with antisemitic history. This inclusion makes Another Kind less than ideal, however, it is still worth reading and possibly prompting discussions.

Recommended for age 10 and up.

Reviewed by Claire C., Senior Information Assistant

Graphic Novels & Manga

Other Boys

Ginny H. — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:52:28 +0000

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Damien hasn't had many positive experiences in his past. His mother was killed when he was just a baby, his brother and aunts and uncles don't understand his hobbies and passions, and he's not even sure he understands himself. So he's starting over in a new school after being bullied harshly at his last. This time around, Damien vows to stay silent and give the kids at his new school absolutely nothing to go on if they want to bully him. Yet it's lonely talking to no one and bottling up all his feelings.

If you like books such as Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Jennifer L. Holm's Sunny Side Up, you should definitely check this book out! Though this memoir touched on some heavy topics such as domestic abuse, homophobia, and bullying, it was such a fantastic read that it really had me wanting to reach out to Damien to tell him he wasn't alone and that he is understood. This story softly reaches out to those of us who might feel "othered" or not "normal" and lets us all know it's okay to be ourselves (spoiler alert on life: there is no "normal!"). Any reader who enjoys books about finding your own identity, gender roles, and LGBTQ+ themes will find solace in this memoir. Recommended for age 10 and up.

Reviewed by Ginny H., Children's Librarian

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Other Boys

Glitter Gets Everywhere

Kim B. — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 20:25:00 +0000

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Kitty, her sister Imogen, and her father all have different ways of coping with the loss of their mother and wife. When her father takes a new job opportunity, the family moves to New York. Though you may think that moving to a different city would stop Kitty from constantly being reminded of her mom, the opposite seems to hold true, and Kitty is reminded of her mom everywhere she goes.

Glitter Gets Everywhere is a great book because provides a heartwarming way to approach the very difficult topic of the loss of a parent. The book would also be helpful if you are coping with the loss of any loved one. Additionally, it contains strong themes of family, connections, and holding onto memories. Recommended for readers ages 8–12.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children’s Librarian

Glitter Gets Everywhere

Genesis Begins Again

Kim B. — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:49:05 +0000

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Not only does Genesis have to deal with the typical struggles of being in middle school like making friends or good grades, she also experiences poverty, eviction, and witnesses addiction. Her own family members, although caring, occaisionally let her down or use hurtful words. All of this added to the unique challenges facing African American girls everyday leaves Genesis hating who she is. When she meets people who show her kindness and acceptance, she begins to learn her own strengths and discovers the healing power of music. Genesis's story can be heart-breaking and difficult to read at times but her journey toward self-love is impowering and will leave you cheering for her through it all. Recommeded for ages 10+