By Susan Farmer, Branch Head, Port Union Library
Books for 0-6 years of age:
You Matter to Me by Doyin Richards, 2022, Picture Book
A picture book about a dog named Biscuit adopted into a Black family. This book opens up an important conversation about racism with age-appropriate storytelling.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Celebration of Nature by Briana Corr Scott, 2022, Picture Book
From Canada’s East Coast, artist Briana Corr Scott brings her naturalist’s eye to the classic holiday song, pairing the original lyrics with bold and whimsical illustrations that celebrate flora and fauna.
With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstad, 2022, Picture Book
In this book, the author and founder of Orange Shirt Day tells her story with the hope of encouraging young children to open up about their feelings and the message that listening is the first step towards reconciliation.
Books for 6-8 years of age:
Pete the Cat and the Sprinkle Stealer by Kim Dean, 2022, Beginning Reader
Secret Agent Meow a.k.a. Pete the Cat, is ready to crack another case: a cat burglary hits too close to home when someone steals Pete’s parents’ secret recipe for rainbow sprinkle cookies!
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party by Saadia Faruqi, 2022, Easy Reader
With her eighth birthday coming up, Marya claims she is having an epic henna party, so now she must convince her family to make it happen and work to pull it off, but everything Marya does seems to end in disaster.
Paradise Sands by Levi Pinfold, 2022, Advanced Picture Book
This picture book for older kids is a captivating tale of eerie places and mystical bargains with enchanting illustrations.
Books for 9-12 years of age:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 17, Diper Overload by Jeff Kinney, 2022, Fiction
Tagging along with his brother Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, Greg gets more than he bargained for when he gets a backstage pass to the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and wonders if he can help them become the legends they think they are.
Big Nate Destined for Awesomeness by Lincoln Peirce, 2022, Fiction
A graphic novel adaptation of three episodes from the Nickelodeon animated series: “The Legend of the Gunting,” “Go Nate, It’s Your Birthday” and “CATastrophe.”
Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor, 2022, Fiction
At the heart of this story is the friendship between hyper-talkative Aurora and non-vocal Frenchie. A big-hearted, beautiful and funny novel told from multiple viewpoints about neurodiversity, friendship and community.