| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This is a book about a ghost and a shadow who become friends thanks to a wish on a meteor shower. Beautiful illustrations make the story shine! |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Sometimes the world is too noisy and overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget why you’re trying something new. In Ready to Soar, Riley gets distracted by everyone’s expert opinion when they really just need a supportive friend. Full of birds (my son’s favorite animal right now), this was a huge readaloud hit at my house. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
When the wishing well stops granting their wishes, the townspeople of Bad Göodsburg send the naive Newsboy out to investigate. You’ll never guess what he finds! This twisty, tongue-in-cheek tale is just as vibrant and colorful as its neon illustrations. It is sure to enchant readers of all ages! |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Is this a picture book? A magic trick? It’s pure fun! You will want to read this over and over again. |
| Recommended by Rachel
A cozy game of hide-and-seek inside on a snowy day! Includes lift the flaps and life advice perfect for any little reader! |
| Recommended by Chelsea
The very quiet Mumfords were very shocked to learn that they brought home Metal Baby! Metal Baby just wants to rock all day and all night, but how is Metal Baby supposed to get some sleep? This hilarious story is perfect for millennial new parents who still love their emo playlists. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
Eddy feels lonely in his fishbowl until he starts to play games with a new friend on the other side of the glass. When Eddy takes a leap of faith (literally) to get closer, he finds a friendship much bigger than he expected! I loved this cleverly illustrated story of friends from unexpected places. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A girl and her dad build a campfire. Soon new friends join them in the firelight in this picture book about building community. |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Jenny
I really enjoyed this exposé on books and reading. This book covers it all: from Confucius to Anne Frank, from book binding to movie adaptations. This is the perfect book to read together: kids of all ages (and grown ups too) will enjoy it. What I really love about it are the gentle prompts, activities, and wonderings that help readers engage with the big ideas. A perfect read for a curious mind! |
| Recommended by Lauren
Sky and Ty, a cowgirl and a T-Rex, are an unexpected but perfect pair! These two solve problems within the community while dancing and having fun. Sky and Ty is a great graphic novel for all ages! |
| Recommended by Katie & Ellis
One of my greatest joys as a parent is reading to my child every evening. Le Guin’s classic story of a set of cat siblings who are miraculously born with wings and leave the city to discover the world is our first series we finished together. At the end my kiddo cried because he desperately wanted to follow them on more adventures. A great first series for your burgeoning reader. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This novel in verse by beloved librarian Mr. Schu is the fictionalized account of his experiences and emotions as a young teen in residential treatment for an eating disorder. It tells the story of an honest, courageous journey on the path to healing. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Rachel
This is one of those books that makes you hold your breath. An exploration of the Icarus myth with young queer love, poetically short chapters, and art thievery. Icarus stole my heart and won’t give it back. |
| Recommended by Jordan
Since Holly Jackson’s A Good Girls Guide to Murder series ended, nothing has come along that has scratched the itch of missing those books until now. Jackson knows how to do a chaotic family mystery like no other. This one will keep you up all night turning the pages! |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
Will might only be 15, but he’s old enough to know The Rules, and he knows the most important one to follow: Seek revenge. Strapped with his murdered brother’s gun, Will steps into the elevator and starts his long journey down. Written in verse and spanning only sixty potent seconds, this is a propulsive and powerful story of memory, loss, and the cycle of violence. |
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By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The April 2024 Spark Book Club pick is The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. In 1942, Miri is saved from a roundup that takes her entire family. She is taken in at a boarding school in the French countryside and must pretend to be Catholic. One night, she is called upon to face a deadly task. Newbery Honoree, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, returns to the world of The War That Saved My Life in an amazing story of courage and friendship.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“This poignant story moves quickly but takes care to consider with sensitivity the excruciating choices Miri must make at every turn as she’s torn between choosing safety and honoring her heritage and her convictions.” – 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 Stacey Lee
The April 2024 ParnassusNext selection is Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee. Los Angeles, 1932. When Lulu Wong, rising star and the pride of Chinatown is murdered, the Chow sisters set out to find the person responsible for their childhood friend’s death. Their investigation takes them from Chinatown to glittering Hollywood parties in this compelling mystery.
Early praise for the novel:
“This twisty mystery, brought to life by a vibrant cast and abundant historical details, will keep readers in suspense until the very end.” – 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 