| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This magical bedtime book will make you want to curl up with a blanket and float on a nighttime breeze. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Filled with beautiful art, this is a celebration of being just who you are and reminding you that you have lots to give. Do you have a quiet or shy child in your life? This is the book for them. This is the book for childhood me. |
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Recommended by Chelsea
It’s always hard preparing for a competition, and Wei’s fear of failure makes everything worse. But Wei’s mom encourages every reader with a wholesome reminder–winning isn’t what matters. Compete because you’re passionate and because you love what you do! |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Brothers Link and Hud suspect their new babysitter is up to no good. They work together to prove their theory in this funny adventure that’s part comic book, all fun. |
| Recommended by Ashby
Food. Family. Stories. When Mo’s grandmother dies, she is left without family. What keeps her going? Cooking. The search for a family recipe. Told through letters to her Nan, Mo cooks and has a pop-up restaurant for one magical night. It’s a year of uncertainty that might take her to Paris or Kansas but finally takes her home right where she is in NYC. Does she find her family recipe and the story that goes with it? |
| Recommended by Chelsea
The gripping story of a boy who fell in love with a sport only to experience systemic racism while succeeding on the ice, this graphic novel is a must-read. Told in a conversational tone with rich illustrations, Aliu’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. |
| Recommended by Madeline
A legendary search and find like no other, created by Dungeons & Dragons themselves, filled with monsters and heroes alike in this illustrated adventure! Search for kenkus and paladins, tortles and elves, and even Myopus the All-Seeing beholder! There’s so many fun things to find, you’ll be searching for hours! |
| Recommended by Ashby
For fans of books like The Giver, this book will enthrall you. No cameras, no mirrors, no words beautiful or ugly. Not in Gladder Hill. Zailey sketches faces which could get her in trouble. Then she finds herself outside her town. What will it be like beyond her town? What will she find out? What is the real story of her town? |
| Recommended by RJ
Ring of Solomon is a fast-paced fantasy adventure featuring magic and monsters from Jewish folklore. Perfect for fans of any of the Rick Riordan Presents series, or anyone who thinks befriending the king of demons sounds like a pretty fun idea. |
| Recommended by Madeline
From the creators of Minecraft comes a stunning collection of master builds, created by players like you and me! If you enjoy watching creators from the Hermitcraft community (like GoodTimesWithScar, BDoubleO100, Keralis, and more!) to Trixyblox’s Ultimate Survival World, you’ll adore this book brimming with creativity! |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Hazel Sinnett is summoned to court to treat the king’s daughter in this sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story. Court intrigue abounds as Hazel’s future as a doctor is in question in this atmospheric fantasy. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A genius with a diagnosed mental disorder and a politician’s son battling addiction collide in this powerful story of finding love among life’s chaos. |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Gavin, 6th grader
This book is a whimsical journey through the world of Hindu myths, but in the style of the Percy Jackson series. Follow Aru Shah on her journey with her spiritual sister as the first female pandavas in order to to stop time from being frozen forever. |
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The March 2023 Spark Book Club selection is The Town With No Mirrors by Christina Collins. Zailey lives in the Gladder Hill community where there are no mirrors. Everyone is prohibited from seeing their own face or talking about anyone’s appearance. The mirror-free town was built to protect everyone from negative emotions. Zailey’s fascination with faces is her guilty secret. Until an accident sends her on a journey of self-discovery.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“Immensely intriguing… sure to spark consideration of body image, beauty concepts, and what truly defines an individual.” — Booklist
“Thoughtful psychological examination of how people view themselves and their bodies.” – Publisher’s Weekly
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 Ashley Schumacher
The March 2023 ParnassusNext selection is The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher. Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway and her dad travel the Ren Faire circuit in their RV. After her mom’s death, it’s painful to return to her favorite faire. The new owners and their son, Arthur, select Madeline as the faire princess. She doesn’t feel she deserves the spotlight, but day trip adventures and her chemistry with Arthur may turn this season into a royal renaissance.
Early praise for the novel:
“A skillfully written and appealing romance with a powerful and refreshing message.” – Kirkus
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 