What We’re Reading
Here are some quotes from library staff about the books in the newest list of recommended picks:
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz: “Sweet and humorous queer romance.”
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa: “I am positively smitten with this one. It’s so heartwarming and you can feel the author’s own story all over the pages.”
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce: “Notable for its psychologically realistic depiction of growing up and well-drawn supporting characters.”
Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy: “A fun story about fitting in, standing out, sisterly bonds (and annoyances), religion, acceptance, and ROAD TRIPS!”
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson: “This book has been helping teens (and adults!) come out safely as possible since 2015.”
What’s Hot This Month
Arrrr! Looking for a pirate-themed read to close out your summer reading for the year? Make sure to check out these swashbuckling nautical picks.
Featured Title
Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
Watsonville, 1930. Francisco Maghabol barely ekes out a living in the fields of California. As he spends what little money he earns at dance halls and faces increasing violence from white men in town, Francisco wonders if he should’ve never left the Philippines.
Stockton, 1965. Between school days full of prejudice from white students and teachers and night shifts working at his aunt’s restaurant, Emil refuses to follow in the footsteps of his labor organizer father, Francisco. He’s going to make it in this country no matter what or who he has to leave behind.
Denver, 1983. Chris is determined to prove that his overbearing father, Emil, can’t control him. However, when a missed assignment on “ancestral history” sends Chris off the football team and into the library, he discovers a desire to know more about Filipino history―even if his father dismisses his interest as unamerican and unimportant.
Philadelphia, 2020. Enzo struggles to keep his anxiety in check as a global pandemic breaks out and his abrasive grandfather moves in. While tensions are high between his dad and his lolo, Enzo’s daily walks with Lolo Emil have him wondering if maybe he can help bridge their decades-long rift.
What’s New This Month
A new graphic novel by Jen Wang is on the way, along with a new series opener by Ransom Riggs and a new Jordan Ifueko novel set in her
Raybearer universe. Also incoming are the novelization of the first season of the Netflix hit
Wednesday, and new books from authors like Aiden Thomas, Dustin Thao, Andrew Joseph White, Adalyn Grace, Cynthia Hand, Ellen Hopkins, and more:
For More Reading Suggestions: