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Staff Picks

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Cover ArtThe Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful novel that captures the complexity of grief, friendship, and growing up through the eyes of a thoughtful young girl named Suzy. After the sudden death of her best friend, Suzy becomes convinced that a rare jellyfish sting might be the cause, and her journey to prove it is both scientific and deeply personal. Benjamin’s writing is lyrical and full of heart, blending fascinating facts about marine biology with a moving exploration of loss and healing. Suzy’s voice is honest, intelligent, and quietly brave, making her an unforgettable narrator. This book is a celebration of curiosity, resilience, and the quiet magic of the natural world—it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
 
Publisher's description:
Twelve-year-old Suzy Swanson wades through her intense grief over the loss of her best friend by investigating the rare jellyfish she is convinced was responsible for her friend's death.
 
Cover ArtUnraveled by Shannon Messenger is an absolutely breathtaking addition to the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, and it’s easily one of the most intense, emotional, and gripping entries yet. The story dives deeper into Sophie’s struggles than ever before, blending high-stakes action with powerful character growth and jaw-dropping twists that will leave readers reeling. The emotional depth is unmatched—filled with heartbreak, fierce loyalty, and just the right amount of romantic tension to keep your heart racing. Messenger’s writing shines with sharp dialogue, vivid worldbuilding, and a sense of urgency that never lets up. As the characters face impossible decisions and dark secrets come to light, you can feel the series maturing alongside its readers. Whether you’ve been a fan from the start or are catching up, Unraveled proves that this story still has so much more to give—and it’s more magical, intense, and unforgettable than ever.
 
Publisher's description:
Please be careful. Please be happy. And PLEASE forget all about me. It'll be better for everyone that way. Those were the last words Keefe Sencen wrote to Sophie Foster before he ran away to the Forbidden Cities. He didn't want to leave, but it was the only way to keep his friends safe while he figured out how to control his scary new powers and searched for answers about his past. What he found was so much more than adventures in Humanland. Where did he go? What did he do? And who did he meet while the rest of his friends worked to solve the mystery of Stellarlune? The answers go far beyond anything anyone could have ever imagined and give Keefe the power to change his destiny.
 
Cover Art
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is an extraordinary and heartwarming novel that masterfully blends intelligence, emotion, and resilience into a story that captivates readers of all ages. With its unforgettable protagonist, Willow Chance—a brilliantly gifted and quirky twelve-year-old—this book explores themes of loss, healing, and the power of human connection in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring. Sloan’s storytelling is beautifully nuanced, weaving together moments of profound sadness and uplifting hope with humor and compassion. Every page invites readers to see the world through Willow’s unique perspective, reminding us of the extraordinary strength found in kindness, understanding, and perseverance. Counting by 7s is not just a book—it’s an unforgettable journey that leaves a lasting impact on your heart and mind, making it a must-read for anyone who loves stories that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.
 
Publisher's description:
Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by 7s. It has never been easy for her to connect with anyone other than her adoptive parents, but that hasn’t kept her from leading a quietly happy life . . . until now. Suddenly Willow’s world is tragically changed when her parents both die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world. The triumph of this book is that it is not a tragedy. This extraordinarily odd, but extraordinarily endearing, girl manages to push through her grief. Her journey to find a fascinatingly diverse and fully believable surrogate family is a joy and a revelation to read.
 
Cover ArtKeeper of the Lost Cities is such an amazing series! It has everything—adventure, magic, mystery, and tons of heart. The world in the books is super cool because it’s a secret society of magical people, hidden away from regular humans. The main character, Sophie Foster, is awesome! She’s smart, brave, and she has to face all of these huge challenges, like figuring out who she really is and how to use her powers. Plus, the other characters are all really interesting too, and they each have their own cool abilities and problems to solve. It’s a mix of exciting action and emotional moments that keep you hooked the whole time!
 
Publisher's description:
At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.
 
Cover ArtThe Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland is seriously one of the best book series ever! It’s all about dragons, and each book is about a different dragon tribe, each with their own cool powers and personalities. The dragons feel so real—they have problems, friends, and dreams just like us, so you totally connect with them. The books are packed with tons of action, crazy mysteries, and twists that will totally blow your mind! You’ll never want to put the book down because it’s so exciting and you always want to know what happens next!
 
Publisher's description:
The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy - a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice. Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war. But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended.
 
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