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A Deadly Education

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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Format: Book, ebook, audiobook
Who is it For: Adults

“In Wisdom, Shelter.” The official motto of the Scholomance, a giant, foreboding school for young wizards and witches. In the Scholomance, failure means death—or at the very least, lots of pain—as the school constantly throws all manner of hungry beasts and spirits at its students. Having allies watching your backs – as even a tray of scrambled eggs can be deadly – is a must, but making friends is rather hard to do when a dark prophecy is looming over your head and everyone brands you as a creepy outcast. Lacking any such friends and specializing in city-flattening magic, Galadriel Higgins has had to fight and strategize for her spot in the school more than most; for if she let loose, even a little, there would be dire consequences. To make matters worse, the entire school seems to think she has taken up with Orion Lake, the shining hero of the junior class, because he inadvertently saved her on a few occasions. How is she supposed to become dark empress of the world, if she keeps having to be saved?

This book has been one of my favorites this year! If Hogwarts took a page from the Hunger Games, you would end up with the Scholomance. This book is dark and gritty and the hard-core, survival mindset of the students is totally different from the typical fantasy settings. I thought Novik had some compelling ideas about how both wizards and the mundane interact with magic. I am very excited to read the next book in the series.

Find A Deadly Education in the catalog.

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez

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The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez, by Adrianna Cuevas
Format: Book
Who is it For: Kids

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez is an honor for the 2021 Pura Belpré Award in the Children’s Author category. First established in 1996, the Belpré Award is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Nestor, a young boy who has moved to a new town, must not only navigate going to a new school and having a father deployed overseas, but he also struggles to keep his gift of talking to animals a secret. But as animals start disappearing in the woods around his house, Nestor finds himself trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature and put a stop to it before it’s too late.

Adrianna Cuevas draws on Panamanian and Costa Rican myths to present to a thrilling adventure for young readers.

Find The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez in the catalog.

The Rock from the Sky

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The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Format: Book
Who’s it for: Kids

Do you have a favorite chair in your house, or a favorite table at a café; that one place where you feel at peace? And don’t you hate it when someone is in that spot? Well, Turtle can relate. He has a favorite spot, too. One day his spot changes—a huge rock falls from the sky, right on his spot! Follow Turtle and his two friends, Armadillo and Snake, as they navigate the uncertainties of the future and how to deal with a bad feeling that just won’t go away.

While this book may be intended for younger audiences, it is absolutely delightful! The dialogue is light and dynamic, making it the perfect choice for story time with your children, or if you just need a good pick-me-up. There are subtle shifts in color schemes that pair beautifully with the pace of the book, and who wouldn’t enjoy a little turtle in a top hat?

Find The Rock from the Sky in the catalog.

Cosmoknights

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Cosmoknights by Hannah Templer
Format: Book, ebook, Graphic Novel
Who’s it for: Teens

Prepare for the greatest games in the galaxy! Known as cosmoknights, these cyberpunk gladiators travel the stars to compete for the hand of a planet’s princess. However, there are those who find no pleasure in the games, such as Pan—a young girl from the planet Viridian. When she meets two charismatic cosmoknights with ulterior motives for participating in these deadly games, Pan stows away on their ship in hopes of taking a stand against these planetary kingdoms. But space is vast and dangerous place – she’ll have to pick up a few new tricks if she wants to survive.

Cosmoknights is vibrant, fun, and inspiring. Perfect for anyone trying to find their place in the universe.

Find Cosmoknights in the catalog, or read it on hoopla!

Dungeon Critters

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Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess & Sara Goetter
Format: Graphic Novel
Who is it for: Kids, Teens

Dungeon Critters follows a group of four young animal adventures on their quest to prove themselves and save their kingdom. This book is absolutely charming.

After exposing a sinister plot involving a foul, necromantic plant, Chirp, Goro, June, and Rose must face the perils of dungeons, the rigors of high-society balls, and the literal trials of Bear Court! But adventuring is not all danger—there is ample room for young love.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the art style. The artists put a lot of effort into making each and every character unique and expressive. What starts off as a cute little fantasy romp, really ramps up into a dramatic and beautiful tale, with genuinely compelling characters.

The children and teens collection have always been filled to the brim with fantasy titles, so it is traditionally difficult for new works to stand out. However, Dungeon Critters has not problem captivating its audience; with diverse characters and vibrate art, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Find it in our catalog!