| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A quiet girl in a noisy family builds a boat to sail away inside a whale. When a loud friend joins her, she finds that balance is best in this whimsical picture book about taking time for yourself while also engaging with others. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
A mother and child hop on their bike for a ride through town, meeting all kinds of people on all kinds of cycles. It isn’t long before their zooming group gets bigger and bigger! I adore this story that celebrates the joys of biking and diverse communities. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
When Hedgehog is lonely, she overhears someone talking about the Friend Ship, so off she goes to find it. With comforting repetition, warm illustrations, and a plucky heroine, The Friend Ship proves that the journey may be destination all along. I dare you to read this book and not feel warm and fuzzies. |
| Recommended by Rachel
After reading this picture book, I’m packing my bags and moving to Treehouse Town! That place truly has it all! You could spend hours poring over every last detail in the beautiful illustrations here, plus the story is a perfect celebration of community, teamwork, and joy! |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
What is art? How do you make it? A young girl has her questions answered by artists throughout history from around the globe. This insightful book is sure to inspire any young creative. Bonus points for the micro bios of each artist in the backmatter! |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Jenness
Curious 12-year-old Kess cares for her family’s Museum of Unnatural History – often looking for new and interesting specimens. While exploring, she and her new friend Lilou discover a mysterious curse linked to her parents and Lilou’s grandfather. The girls encounter witches, monsters, and more in their quest to break the curse. This is a fun adventure about friendship, secrets, responsibility – and a bit of magic. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Ferris Wilkey’s summer is not relaxing. Her sister wants to be an outlaw and her grandmother starts seeing a ghost. Before the summer ends, an act of kindness will bring light and joy to her entire household and found family. |
| Recommended by RJ
DnDoggos is the start of a new graphic novel series about a group of dog friends playing a tabletop role-playing campaign. Featuring the cutest adventuring party of all time, this story blends table-side antics and in-game action to create a fun, accessible story for young D&D players and beyond.
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| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Chelsea
An orphan with her own agenda of revenge, Arthie is forced to steal from vampire society in order to keep her teahouse and her found family safe. The worldbuilding, the vibes, and the cast of characters are all perfection. Faizal has delivered a twisty page-turner that I haven’t stopped thinking about. |
| Recommended by Aly
With all of the twists and turns of a well-executed rom-com, this story is not what it appears, but exactly what I wanted it to be. Heartwarming and funny, but full of emotion and fan-girling. This book has everything and more. |
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By Kate DiCamillo
The March 2024 Spark Book Club selection is Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. Ferris Wilkey’s summer is full of pandemonium. Her little sister wants to be an outlaw and her grandmother sees a ghost. Before the summer ends, an act of kindness brings joy and light to her entire family.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“DiCamillo’s gift for conveying an entire person and world in a few brushstrokes of storytelling provides depth and quiet magic to this account of an eventful summer . . . Tenderly resonant and memorable.” – 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 Mindy McGinnis
The March 2024 ParnassusNext selection is Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis. This psychological thriller follows a teen girl grappling with the death of her brother as she starts a new job, only to become the number one suspect in her co-worker’s murder.
Early praise for the novel:
“Striking a careful balance of dry humor and occasionally harrowing depictions of Neely’s mental health challenges, McGinnis delivers a compassionate and gripping read.” –Publishers 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 