What's New for Kids?

Start Off Summer with Some Reading Suggestions

Teen Reading

Available at Kittanning Library

Lovely War by Julie Berry - A critically acclaimed, multi-layered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates--and the hearts--of four mortals in their hands. They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect-turned-soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though war is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of love.

The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs - A latest entry in the best-selling series continues the story of Jacob Portman, who takes a brave leap into The Conference of the Birds while pursued by dangerous enemies.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco - After an ancient prophecy is betrayed, a world ruled by a long line of goddesses is split in two--one half in perpetual day, and the other in an endless night--and two young twin goddesses set out on separate and equally dangerous journeys to the breach that divides them, hoping to save their broken world.

Heroine by Mindy McGinnis - Determined to see her softball team through a historic tournament run despite severe injuries, a socially awkward teen is prescribed opioid painkillers that initially help, before high pressure leads to an out-of-control addiction.

Preparing for and Surviving Alien Combat by Sean T Page - A tongue-in-cheek look at alien invasion explains how to fight off would-be extraterrestrial attackers.

No More Excuses : dismantling rape culture by Amber Keyser - Soon after the sexual misconduct allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein became public in late 2017, the #MeToo movement went viral, opening up an explosive conversation about rape culture around the globe. In the US, someone is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. More than 320,000 Americans over the age of twelve are sexually assaulted each year. Men are victims too. One in thirty-three American men will be sexually assaulted or raped in his lifetime. Yet only 3 percent of rapists ever serve time in jail. Learn about the patriarchal constructs that support rape culture and how to dismantle them: redefining healthy manhood and sexuality, believing victims, improving social and legal systems and workplace environments, evaluating media with a critical eye, and standing up to speak out. Case studies provide a well-rounded view of real people on all sides of the issues.

Do Aliens Exist? by Stuart A. Kallen - Examines the possibility of life on other planets, covering such topics as the role of aliens in science fiction, alien abductions and sightings, the search for extraterrestrials, and possible explanations for phenomena commonly attributed to aliens.

Voices : the final hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott - Told through medieval poetic forms and the voices of the people and objects in her life, a lyrical re-imagining of the life of Joan of Arc shares insights into how she changed the course of history in spite of the misogyny and censure behind her execution. 

The Bear and the Nightingale : a novel by Katherine Arden - A novel inspired by Russian fairy tales follows the experiences of a wild young girl who taps the mysterious powers of a precious necklace given to her father years earlier to save her village from dark and dangerous forces.

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L Armentrout - Trinity, who can communicate with spirits, is protected from demons by shape-shifting wardens, but when she hears reports of something killing both demons and wardens, Trinity must work with outsider Zayne to save her family and perhaps the world.

The Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black - Collects the novels of the Modern Faerie Tales trilogy, and also includes a new short story. Tithe: Sixteen-year-old Kaye, who has been visited by faeries since childhood, discovers that she herself is a magical faerie creature with a special destiny. Valiant: Seventeen-year-old Valerie's a runaway who's living in New York City with a group of squatters. She agrees to help track down the lair of a mysterious creature, and finds herself feeling affection for an honorable monster. Ironside: As the possessor of Roibin's true name, Kaye returns to Faeryland to try and complete a nearly-impossible quest that will release him from a faery queen's spell. 

The Darkest Legacy by Alexandra Bracken - Accused of committing a horrifying act, Zu goes on the run, forming an uncomfortable alliance with two mysterious Psi who she's not sure she can trust in order to clear her name and expose the evils underlying the country's recovery.

Books for Kids & Tweens

Available at Kittanning Library

I survived the battle of D-Day, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis - A latest installment in the best-selling series commemorates the 75th anniversary of D-Day in a high-interest story that imagines a young person's firsthand witness of the Normandy landings and the allied victory in World War II.

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog: and other how-to poems by Paul B Janeczko - The award-winning compiler of A Kick in the Head presents a sumptuously illustrated volume of informative, inspirational and fanciful poetry that celebrates the joys of nature and simple everyday experiences and includes pieces by such masters as Kwame Alexander, Pat Mora and Allan Wolf.

The Frog Book by Steve Jenkins - An introduction to an assortment of the world's frog species discusses their colors, shapes, and sizes; many different habitats; their life cycle; and how they find food, escape danger, and attract a mate.

The Crayon Man : the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons by Natascha Biebow - Describes how businessman Edwin Binney, inspired by nature's vibrant colors, invented Crayola crayons, which revolutionized arts and entertainment for children and adults alike.

Topical Picks for Children

Broadly Available at Regional Libraries & Book Sellers