| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This truly original picture book turns the tables on reading aloud at bedtime. A heartwarming story paired with delightful illustrations. |
| Recommended by Ashby
With themes of friendship, kindness and loneliness, this picture book is perfect to share with anyone a bit nervous about change. A girl sees “the thing” next door and brings it a flower since it seems lonely, but it has to leave, and she has to face the loss. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A young boy learning to play the violin goes into the forest to practice. Soon an audience of cats enjoy his music in this delightful book. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Meet Ina! Whether she’s in the ballet studio or on the basketball court, she gives it her very best. This rhyming story celebrates the kid with multiple interests and a dynamic personality. |
| Recommended by Jake
A ramen packet desperately wants to be the much more celebrated spaghetti. But after being purchased and prepared, the ramen realizes it’s perfect exactly the way it is. This picture book is fully of gorgeous illustrations, excellent humor, and a heartwarming tale of acceptance. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A stuffed bunny comes to life after getting lost on a family camping trip, then makes its way back to a child in this beautifully illustrated story. |
| Recommended by Jenness
A young witch receives a wombat instead of a cat – will she still be able to participate in her witchy activities? A vibrant and charming tale of being accepted for who you are and the magic of friendship. |
| Recommended by Patsy
Maurice is a once-famous accordion-playing dog who lives in Paris. Times change, he grows older, and finds joy in his bird friends. For visitors to France and lovers of Madeline, this gorgeous watercolor book is a keeper. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Chelsea
A fun, odd little book about a girl who runs away and finds the perfect companion in a disembodied skull. Klassen’s careful words and beautifully lit illustrations are truly perfect. If you have a child (or adult) in your life who loves all things spooky, this is the perfect book for them. |
| Recommended by Aly
In this beautiful and charming book about one girl and her family on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, readers are treated to a realistic look at Wesley’s everyday life and how loving herself and her community creates the biggest change. |
| Recommended by Katie
A sweet baby gay who finds out she has Crohn’s Disease? It’s me! It’s me! While I was diagnosed later in life, I found myself wanting to wrap Al up in the biggest hug possible. While you can’t always promise a person that it gets better, you can make sure they feel seen and loved on their journey. I hope every young person with chronic illness snags a copy of this book and feels just that. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Beginning readers who like graphic novels will love Gnome and Rat! They’re best friends who live in a forest and go on adventures with Gnome’s hat. |
| Recommended by Lily, age 8
I love this book so much! I like it because (a) the book involves twins and (b) it’s got lots of animals and a magical world. This book was amazing! I can’t wait for everyone to be able to read it! |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Mars returns to a bucolic summer camp to investigate his twin sister’s death where she was in the highly-coveted cabin H. Things go from strange to worse quickly as Mars ingratiates himself into his sister’s cabinmates’ clique, the Honeys. The opening of this book is one of the most shocking first chapters I’ve read, and I empathized with Mars’s grief. New in paperback, its movie adaptation is also in production! |
| Recommended by Rcahel
A beautiful conclusion to a trilogy that will live in my heart forever. Simon and Baz’s journey evolves from forced enemies to lovers to growing through their mental health struggles together. I’d give my kidney for another book in their story, but I’ll stick with rereading this at every opportunity! |
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By Christine Day
The August 2023 Spark Book Club selection is We Still Belong by Christine Day. A girl’s plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (including asking her crush to the dance) don’t go as planned, until she is surrounded by her family and friends at the intertribal powwow.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“This story, which weaves diversity into the supporting cast, incorporates layers of Native identity throughout, as Wesley connects with a new friend who is a young Native activist, learning more about Christopher Columbus. A rich, captivating story that will resonate with readers.” – Kirkus (starred review)
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 Rachel Griffin
The August 2023 ParnassusNext selection is Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin. Tana Fairchild lives on the island of the Witchery. Each month, the islanders release their powers into the ocean during the full moon. When she misses the ceremony, she puts herself and her family in danger. A new friend, who claims to live on a hidden side of the island, offers to help her use her powers in a new way. She must decide between loyalty to all she’s known and a new path.
Early praise for the novel:
“Griffin crafts a richly detailed world that leaves vivid sensory impressions… A subtly magical and romantic story of personal growth.”— Kirkus
“Ethereal worldbuilding and affecting allegories championing environmental stewardship, honesty, pride, and self-expression further enrich Griffin’s feel-good tale.” – Publisher’s Weekly
Join us for an event with Rachel Griffin at Parnassus on August 8th @ 6:30 pm. Register here.
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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