| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Two pen pals (a human child and a unicorn) are surprised when they finally meet in this fun and beautifully illustrated story. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Pepita is the baby of the family until another bebita is brought home. How will Pepita adjust to sharing her family and their love? This is a great read for families expecting new little ones, and the illustrations are too cute. |
| Recommended by Ashby
Starting with an extensive list calling for 1 mini donkey, 6 cheekfuls of peanuts and 4 wooden clogs, this book really ends with a peanut butter sandwich! After the donkey polkas on the peanuts to crunchy or smooth texture, there is peanut butter. Great to think about following directions and all the steps involved with things! |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Caron Levis and Charles Santoso bring readers another beautiful picture book based on a true story. When elephant Enid’s baby brother, Ely, can’t move on his own, she stays by his side and shows him the way in this endearing sibling story. |
| Recommended by Rachel
Strange things occur in the woods, but maybe they aren’t what they seem? A beautiful and autumnal picture book about witches, woods, perspective, and fear. |
| Recommended by Ashby
Emma the dog returns from the vet with a “lampshade” but finds ways it is useful, like scaring Keith the squirrel. Perfect for anyone whose pet is having a procedure or needs help with discussions about the health of animals. A lot of silly as well! |
| Recommended by Katie
Have you ever been absolutely down, just totally stuck, like a turtle on it’s back? I know I have. This debut picture book is the story of a sweet little turtle who finds himself stuck and is a reminder of how important good friends are. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Facts intertwine with poems about items left on the moon (including footprints) in this fascinating science book highlighting the moon as a museum. |
| Recommended by Jenness
“Wrecker” Jones comes from a long and storied family of divers, but none of that can prepare him for the adventure that begins when he recovers a trove of illegal treasure from the wreckage of a very familiar-looking boat connected to a very shady-looking man. This story zips along, riding the wave of excitement, humor, and heart that fills every Hiaasen book. |
| Recommended by Aly
River is not brave. They are afraid of everything from confronting their mean teacher to the monsters they see every day, including the one under their bed. One day these monsters take their first and only friend. With their cat, Mr. Fluffy Pancakes, by their side, River embarks on an adventure to prove anyone can be a hero. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
Based on the 90s Nickelodeon horror franchise, a new Midnight Society gathers around the campfire to share three chilling tales inspired by Hispanic folklore. If you’re not Afraid of the Dark now, you will be after this fun and spooky read! |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Jenny
In this riveting sequel to Foul Lady Fortune, all of our favorite characters are back with even more precarious missions. As who is a hero and who is a villain becomes more and more difficult to discern, will the patchwork crew of spies be able to save the lives of those they love the most? If you are looking for action, magic, and love, Foul Heart Huntsman will keep you turning pages for more. |
| Recommended by Tara
We’ve all daydreamed about a Freaky Friday-esque life swap scenario, but The Name Drop brings this fantasy to life. This is such a fun twist on a prince and pauper tale that will have you swooning. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Ross Quest comes from a family of thieves, and she’s drawn into the Thieves’ Gambit with the prize of one wish to whoever wins. A rollercoaster from start to finish, Ross’s international adventures had me on the edge of my seat, and you can’t help but root for Ross as the competition between the other thieves gets more dangerous and possibly deadly. |
| Recommended by Lauren
To save her family and their ranch, Mikira must win the Illinir – a prestigious and dangerous race with enchanted horses, but most riders do not make it out alive. Mikira teams up with Arielle, an enchanter who is discovering how powerful she really is. This YA fantasy is filled with magic, friendship, love, and suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat. |
| Recommended by Jenny
Atmospheric, Curious Tides introduces a powerful university full of lunar magic. Emory, born under a New Moon, is a mediocre healer grieving the mysterious disappearance of her best friend, Romie. Baz, Romie’s brother, is a stigmatized Eclipse-born with dangerous powers. Together, can they survive the dark magic of the tide or will it consume them all? |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Marcia
How did I get to where I am in life now without reading this? When my son’s 7th grade Lit class began reading the book this semester, I started to read it after he went to sleep at night. A wonderful, awkward, and painfully beautiful world of rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, and the loyalties that lie within. A powerful story of tragedy and those that can rise above their backgrounds to redeem themselves. |
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By Jewell Parker Rhodes
The October 2023 Spark Book Club selection is Treasure Island: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes. This reimagining of the classic novel, Treasure Island, takes place in modern-day New York City. Three kids must dodge a threatening crew of skater kids while navigating the city’s hidden history, all while tracking down a buried treasure.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“Whether or not readers are familiar with Robert Louis Stevenson’s original, they’ll be drawn into this accessible, action-packed adventure, full of mysteries, pirates, skateboard drama, and a whole new underground world. The artful, verse-like sentence structures intentionally and effectively evoke the resonance and rhythm of the African American oral tradition. Daringly honors old heroes, stunningly integrating past and present with pitch-perfect success.” –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 Erica Waters
The October 2023 ParnassusNext selection is All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters. It is a gothic dark academia novel that delves into the human capacity for great love, great art, and great evil.
Please join us for the launch of All That Consumes Us at Parnassus on October 18th at 6:30 pm. Register here.
Early praise for the novel:
“Gothic horror for fans of dark academia.” –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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