| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Susan thinks she has bad luck, but she’s truly a lucky duck. This charming story shows how things can turn out for the best when you least expect it. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Simple, repetitive text comforts as the illustrations astound. This sweet book about grandmothers, love, and the natural world is perfect for readers of all ages. |
| Recommended by Lindsay
I read this book and immediately pledged my lifelong fealty to the Teeny-Weeny Unicorn. If you’re with me, we ride at dawn. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This intergenerational story of a family’s farm stand is told in color-filled scenes that show the passage of time. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Violet’s family moves into a new house. Her new room in the attic is creaky and may be haunted. After she becomes ill, she starts to wonder if the yellow wallpaper is causing it or if there’s someone trapped there, and what she should do about it. |
| Recommended by Annika, 7th grade
The Liars Society is a very quick read with an exciting plot. The two main characters, Jack and Weatherby, both attend a prestigious school. Strange things keep happening, like when the money for their school trip gets stolen, and when they both get invited to play a mysterious game. I love how the plot ties together in the end. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Rachel
As someone who adores Pride and Prejudice, I am very protective of its main characters, and I am happy to report that Gabe Cole Novoa gave them brilliant new lives in this retelling. My little queer heart was bursting at the seams! |
| Recommended by Lauren
Paedyn is an Ordinary, but she must keep this a secret because The King wants all Ordinaries dead or banished from the kingdom. This secret becomes difficult to keep after she saves The King’s son and is now thrown into The Trials to show her worth, alongside Kai, who is The King’s son and the Enforcer that banishes The Ordinaries. Powerless is a great dual POV and I can’t wait for the next book to come out in July! |
| Recommended by Jenny
After a war defending their island country, sisters Faron and Elara face even bigger dangers that threaten the entire world. After Elara is bonded to the deadly, but beautiful, Signey and her dragon, Faron must join forces with her rival Reeve to save her. This is a perfect choice anyone looking for an action-packed fantasy with enemies-to-lovers and DRAGONS. |
| Recommended by Aly
It is so rare that I can’t guess the ending to a mystery, and this one really threw me for a loop. Such a good true crime thriller with dual POVs and a twist ending you will not see coming, or at least if you do please don’t tell me. |
| Recommended by Katie
It’s okay to judge a book by it’s cover. Lucky for us, the story in Sinner’s Isle is every bit as gorgeous. In a world where magic is highly coveted, Majestics are sequestered away to train and sold to the highest bidder. When Rosalinda comes of age, she is committed to finding freedom for herself and others. And if that freedom is tied to a very moody (and sexy) pirate prince, well there could be worse fates. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Despite her father’s ghost hunting business, Chelsea’s social life is looking up until one night lands her in hot water – and her father’s business for the summer. Her burgeoning spiritual gifts lead her to commune with some ghosts, but can she get the whole story before her dad exorcizes the spirits for good? This perfectly paced graphic novel weaves in history, social commentary, and the cringe of being a teenager. |
| Recommended by RJ
Infinity Alchemist is the first book in a new magical series from award-winning powerhouse Kacen Callender. High stakes, a simple but flexible magic system, and complex, well-developed queer characters makes this an engaging, tense, and deeply romantic read. |
| Recommended by Ashby
A fantastical murder mystery. Say what? Tabatha, Sorcerer Solomon’s apprentice, must solve his murder, a murder he predicted. Tabatha teams up with Callum, the sorcerer’s son, to discover the murderer. But can she trust him? And what about his magic-wielding siblings? |
| Recommended by Jordan
A romcom with a fake dating trope between an eccentric theatre girl and a nerdy gamer boy? Count me in! This book has something special for the romance lovers and the Dungeons and Dragons fans as well. |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Ester
Sorcery of Thorns follows Elisabeth and her journey in becoming a warden of magical grimoires. Tangled in a crime she didn’t commit, Elisabeth has to work with Sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demonic servant. This is perfect for fans of whimsical, Studio Ghilibi-esque stories– full of banter and found family, this fantasy standalone checks every box! |
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By Ben Guterson, Kristina Kister (Illustrator)
The February 2024 Spark Book Club selection is The World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson. Zander’s grandmother owns a nineteen-story department store, The Number Nine Plaza. He’s excited to experience the rooftop Ferris wheel, and the monorail on his summer visit. When strange accidents start happening, Zander and a friend follow clues to a mysterious object that protects the store’s existence.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“Ben Guterson dives headlong into adventure, employing flights of fancy and imagination and humorous situations to instantly charm readers.” – 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 Edward Underhill
The February 2024 ParnassusNext selection is This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill. A teen on a band trip in New York City plans to let her best friend know she’s in love with her by giving her an annotated copy of their favorite romance novel. When she gets lost in Manhattan, a new friend helps her salvage the day.
Early praise for the novel:
“A pair of touristy queer teens turn getting lost in New York City into an entertaining rom-com adventure.” – 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 