Rion recommends "Impossible Creatures"

 

Ever wondered what it would be like if all the mythical creatures you’ve heard of were real? Impossible Creatures brings this thought experiment to life through following Christopher Forrester’s discovery that his family has a historic responsibility to tend to the entrance to the Archipelago, a set of islands between the UK and US in which magic thrives and creatures such as dragons and unicorns live as equals to humans. 

 

This is such a special, vividly imagined book, and I finished it craving more of the universe Katherine Rundell created. The characters are incredibly lovable and the relationships between them are special to behold. Rundell pulled from a variety of worldwide mythologies to create a diverse world of fantastic creatures, and I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the “bestiary” at the back of the book with descriptions of the main beings the reader will come across. A fun, moving, and imaginative adventure, this book is sure to delight middle grade readers! 

 

Age: Middle grade (9+)

Uma recommends "The Little Liar"

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom tells the story of Nico Krispis, a young boy in Nazi-occupied Greece who is tricked into helping send his fellow Jews to Auschwitz. Nico, who has never lied before, is deeply affected by his actions and becomes a compulsive liar. The novel follows Nico's journey and his search for redemption, along with his brother Sebastian and their friend Fanni, who survive the camps and try to find Nico years later.  The book explores themes of lies, survival, guilt, and forgiveness, with the voice of Truth guiding the story.

It's a powerful, emotional tale about how lies can shape lives and the possibility of healing, even after betrayal.

Adult

 

 

Kara recommends "Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life"

Joe relies on his mother for advice in life. He doesn't always know society's expectations but he knows how to follow rules and is good at his job. His mother is writing notebooks to help guide him, but he will soon find his life is about to do the one thing he dislikes the most - change.

Read this book and you'll immediately love Joe. He's such a great character and you get to see him learn and grow through the friendships he develops along the way.  He's genuinely trying to be a good person and love his life. His goal is to show everyone what his mother knows, that he has not a mean bone in his body. And as readers we see it's true as he helps those that others may not see as deserving.

This is a heartwarming story of friendship, empathy, courage, acceptance and understanding. 

Rion recommends "Circe"

 

Circe is a wonderfully imaginative exploration of the Greek mythical nymph Circe, who, after discovering and using her powers as an herbal sorceress, is banished to an island to live alone for eternity. As she grows to love her island, she encounters a myriad of seafaring men seeking shelter (and sometimes more) upon her shores. The story follows her revenge upon men who abuse her as well as her relationship with Odysseus (about whom The Odyssey was written) and the birth of her son. 

 

Having recently finished The Song of Achilles, a queer reimagining of the story of Achilles and Patroclus also by Madeline Miller, I was eager to read Circe and dig more into the realm of Greek mythology. This book did not disappoint. It was at turns frightening, inspiring, and gut-wrenching, and I found myself enraptured by the tales Miller weaved throughout the book. The island on which Circe was banished, Aiaia, was drawn in such detail that I felt I could smell the salty ocean air and see the verdant forests and fields clearly in my mind’s eye. I recommend this book both for people who love Greek mythology and those who know little to none about it (such as myself). This is an excellent story about a woman finding her place in the world and coming into a true understanding both of her power and of the joys and tragedies of being human. 

 

Meghan recommends "Robot Dreams"

"I don’t get it; was it about understanding and accepting loss?”

• My ten-year-old

What could cause such a reflective response from a ten-year-old? The answer is Robot Dreams, a delightful animated film about a dog (in world populated by animals) who is lonely, and orders himself a robot buddy. Buddies they are, and they have fun traipsing all over 1980s New York City until the fateful day they are separated while out and about. Will they ever be reunited?

The film is entirely without dialogue, but don’t worry, it’s easy to tell how every character is feeling and what they want just based on their faces and movements,  as well as small vocalizations and an evocative soundtrack, full of retro bangers. It’s often very funny, even when it’s also sad.

The film is based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon (which is also available through the library) and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2023.

There is one instance of a “rude gesture” (deployed for comedic effect); otherwise the movie is appropriate for all ages.