November 2023

A powerful depiction of racial tensions arising over the death of a Cajun farmer at the hands of a black man – set on a Louisiana sugarcane plantation in the 1970s.

An epic adventure of a 44-year-old father who leaves his family for six months to walk 4,286 km across America on the Pacific Crest Trail. Following his intuition, Voors embarks on a life-changing hike – feeling alive, being afraid, pushing through pain, confronting emptiness and starting a passionate romance with the wilderness. What effect does it have on his marriage? His children? Himself? This travelogue takes us through the physical, mental and spiritual journey he experienced on this adventure.

Haunted house tale, steeped in Japanese folklore and full of devastating twists. A night of food, drinks and games quickly spirals into a nightmare as secrets get dragged out and relationships are tested for a group of thrill-seeking friends, brought back together to celebrate a wedding. This book terrified me.

The story of a young boxer in Harlem who overcomes hardships and finds hope in the ring on his path to becoming a contender. Especially popular with reluctant boy readers.

Imogen lives at the Playa Grande Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She spends her days working out in the hotel gym and telling other guests how she was forced out of Stanford. But Imogen isn't really Imogen. She's Jule. And she's on the run from something. Or someone. Which means – where is the real Imogen? Page-turning thriller told in reverse that makes for great class discussions.

This powerful novel-in-verse captures one girl, caught between cultures, on an unexpected journey to face the ephemeral girl she might have been. Woven through with moments of lyrical beauty, this is a tender meditation on family, belonging and home.

Anyone who knows me knows I am drawn to positive books, especially for teens. Oher’s story of overcoming the toughest of odds serves as their hope. This book chronicles his unexpected highs: a college degree; four beautiful, healthy children and a happy marriage; drafted in the first round; a Super Bowl victory; and a second chance to play in the “big game.” But it also examines his lows: poverty, hunger, homelessness, struggles in school, bullying, job loss, brain injury, anxiety and depression. Inspiring and needed.

When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers – all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother’s strange disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother? Kids love it as Netflix turned it into a movie.

The award-winning author and illustrator delivers a fantastically funny picture book about creativity and imaginative play centered around an art lesson. Harper cleverly shows readers how drawings are a collection of recognizable shapes put together to create something new. Terrific for teachers wanting to incorporate art into their classroom lessons.

No one likes baths. What a waste of time! There’s so much more important stuff to do! Plus, baths are super dangerous for a number of reasons. For example, a kid in Texas turned into a prune after taking a bath. Scientific fact! McAnulty and illustrator Joy Ang have created a fun read aloud sure to be a hit at home.