| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Murray is scared of much of the world, but he learns that a little step can make him brave. Murray is an adorable, relatable character that will inspire readers to take a look at their own fears and the small actions we can take against them. |
| Recommended by Aly
In this gorgeously illustrated book, three sisters journey into the forest to search for the witch queen of their dreams. What they end up finding is quite surprising! |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A beautiful non-fiction picture book about beavers adapting to nature’s challenges. |
| Recommended by Aly
This plunger wants to be a vase. Soon everyone in the house is figuring out what they truly want to be! Hilarious and heartwarming, I love this beautiful book. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Madeline
A refreshing take on traditional mythology, Lark and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating adventure story about family, loyalty, and bravery. Oh, and fairies and lots of dangerous creatures! And these aren’t your pretty fairies with wings. They’re the classic, sinister creatures of mischief. Perfect for lovers of Oddmire. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Ashby
A Little Princess + The Secret Garden = A Secret Princess. Best friends Mary, Cedric, and Sara leave their boarding school and run away to Cedric’s estate after Sara is left orphaned and penniless. A getaway. A garden. Classic characters and stories collide! |
| Recommended by Jennifer
Vesper is the daughter of failed revolutionaries, intent on finishing what they started. Working her way into the Prince’s inner circle with a false identity, Vesper seeks to understand the Storm–a nightmare that is taking over the city, rim by rim. Soon, Vesper learns there is more to this dark entity than she ever thought. If you are looking for a gripping fantasy with a lot of heart, this is the perfect choice. |
| Recommended by Ashby
Poetry by Jason (Reynolds) and art by Jason (Griffin). The two best friends explore their connections – connections that take the two to Brooklyn to pursue their dreams. The words and accompanying art tell their story and explore the meaning of friendship while having readers think about form, process, and relationships. |
| Recommended by Sarah
Calling all fans of Netflix’s Sex Education and Derry Girls! I missed this one when it first came out last year, but I’m SO glad I picked up the paperback. Not My Problem explores themes of friendship and growing up, anxiety and doubt, parental alcoholism and family dynamics, all while being laugh-out-loud funny. The queer representation was the cherry on top. This is one of the best YA books I’ve read. |
| Recommended by Ashby
An American girl. A British boy. A scavenger hunt. Three smart competitors that don’t play fair. Running around the English countryside, Britt, the American girl, has to decide whether to follow the map or toss it aside. Maybe she will win the prize and the boy. |
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By Anna Rose Johnson
The July 2022 Spark Book Club selection is The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson. Norvia, her mom, and siblings move from Beaver Island to the city in 1914. Norvia is instructed not to tell her new step-father about their Ojibwe heritage. Life in the city is great with a school down the street and a movie theater, but some classmates shun Norvia because her mom is divorced. This coming-of-age story with a strong heroine is perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“A coming-of-age story with a kind heart and strong spirit.” – Kirkus
Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers. Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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By Melissa Albert
The July 2022 ParnassusNext selection is Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert. Ivy and her ex-boyfriend narrowly avoid running over a woman standing in the middle of the street in present day suburbs. Dana is starting to unlock her magical potential in 90s Chicago. As the storylines speed towards a startling intersection, Dana and Ivy must reckon with the choices they have made and the magic they’ve brought into their lives.
Early praise for the novel:
“Riveting, creepy, and utterly bewitching; do not miss this one.” – Kirkus, starred review
“A tale both spellbinding and bingeworthy.” – Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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Musing 