STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS

Not sure what to read next? Try one of our staff picks! The items below were chosen by our very own local library staff.

This Month's Adult Recommendations:

Matriarch by Tina Knowles

Librarian Dori says: This biography of the incredible woman who raised international superstars Beyonce Knowles, Solange Knowles, and Kelly Rowland tells us her story, starting from her childhood in Texas and continuing through her love of music, her community, and above all her family.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Librarian Dori says: A novel for those who love to read about all the complicated ways humans meet, love, and learn about each other, Rooney's story traces a boy and girl from their roots as awkward teenagers through their lives as adults, always accidentally spiraling back to one another in spite of how strange their connection sometimes seems.

The Art of Being Alone: Loneliness Was My Cage, Solitude Is My Home by Renuka Gavrani

Librarian Dori says: This month's NMB Library Book Club pick is all about learning to love yourself, find strength and power in solitude, stop relying on others to give yourself meaning, and thrive even when you're entirely on your own.

This Month's Children's Recommendations:

Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Joshua Levy
(Ages 8-12)

Librarian LeAnn says: When two Jewish boys with nothing in common find themselves trapped in a time loop that forces them to relive their bar mitzvahs over and over again, they must team up to find a way to move forward, become adults, and escape a lifetime of the same buffets in the same hotel ballrooms.

D Is for Dominoes by M.J. Fièvre
(Ages 0-4)

Librarian LeAnn says: This adorable preschool learning alphabet book doesn't just teach the English alphabet - it includes Haitian Kreyol, encouraging children to grow their vocabulary in both languages! Follow Imane as she learns about Haitian culture and traditions in beautiful illustrations and playful characters, resulting in a journey through history and literacy without

Lion Dancers by Cai Tse
(Ages 8-12)

Librarian LeAnn says: Wei wants to be a lion dancer just like his father, but when his dad passes away, he gives up on his dream. But when the lion dancing team needs him to return, it'll be more than a little bit difficult to convince everyone else that he's ready to take over again...

This Month's Teen Recommendations:

Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson

Librarian Jo says: This thoughtful romance sees teen Nala falling in love... with Tye, a social justice activist who is passionate about making the world a better place. When she pretends to also be an activist in order to deepen their relationship, she discovers more about herself than she expected to.

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Librarian Jo says: Poor Riley wants to be a Broadway musical star, but when she gets grounded and forced to work in her family's game shop, she strikes a deal with nerdy Nathan: cover her shifts, and she'll flirt with him to make his crush jealous. But as anyone who plays roleplaying games could have told her, sometimes pretend can turn into not-so-pretend...

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell

Librarian Jo says: This nonfiction volume empowers young adults to learn about the social forces surrounding them and begin their journey toward becoming themselves, speaking up for what they feel is right, and preparing to enter the world of adulthood as the change they want to see.

Still not sure what to read next? Try NoveList Plus, which will help make recommendations based on your favorite reads and genres. It's free with your library card!