| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
A beautifully illustrated story of returning home and being surrounded by the love of community and family. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
A great introduction to sizes and comparisons, this delightful board book is so sweet and filled with fun illustrations. Grown ups and kiddos alike will enjoy finding new details on each re-read! |
| Recommended by Katie
A charming and funny board book featuring animals from around the world admiring how differently shaped their booties are. Finding small ways early on to admire differences is such a treasure, and every baby I know will be getting this sweet little book. |
| Recommended by Ashby
What’s better? An ordered garden? An overgrown wild patch of earth? The Prickletrims learn to find joy in the unexpected, appreciating the hidden treasures and wonder found in disorder. A wonderful lesson for adults too! |
| Recommended by Marcia
Where do couches come from? How many types of couches are there? Have you ever been pillow sliding? Or lost your grandma in the cushions? Everything you needed to know about our all time favorite piece of furniture! |
| Recommended by Rachel
A sleepy swarm of colorful pages, Mermaid Lullaby has a soothingly simple storyline with vibrant and complex illustrations. Let your little one drift off to dreams of sea creatures! |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
| Recommended by Ann
A rat, an owl, a piece of butterscotch candy and a red velvet slipper set the stage for a beautiful and unlikely friendship. Get in on the ground floor of what will be a beloved series. Bonus: it’s dedicated to me. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Tully plans to swim across Lake Tahoe. She’s sure that if she completes the 12-mile swim, her mother will return. But Tully doesn’t have permission to be on the lake, and only her friend, Arch, knows where she is. Jamie Sumner’s novel-in-verse sweeps the reader up in an emotional riptide and gently settles them on the shore. |
| Recommended by Rachel
Pia Paro lives in a sinking city filled with deadly magical games. Pia has long relied on rules to keep her safe, but when the system lets her down, she joins a ragtag team in the most deadly game, attempting not only to win, but to change the game from within, and save her grandfather from a life of servitude. |
| Recommended by Jake
It’s finally summer and Magnolia Wu has nothing to do. No vacation, no friends, no fun. But sitting around in her parents’ laundromat, she comes up with an idea: she will return every one of the many socks left behind to their rightful owners. Featuring fantastic illustrations and a wonderful story, Chanel Miller’s middle-grade debut is perfect for anyone who misses their favorite sock. |
| Recommended by Katie
This beloved “silent comic” from former Disney animator Christian Slade is all together in one seriously stunning and insanely adorable compilation. When Ivy and her beloved corgi Sprout wake up one morning, they have no idea about all the adventures they’ll have in Korgi Hollow. A truly all-ages book, Korgi is a delightful ride for everyone. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Katie
They say that revenge is a dish best served hot, and Matthew Hubbard’s debut YA is practically on fire. When three queer friends find themselves suddenly single, they plot a sweet and satisfying revenge, but when the local school board starts censoring queer voices they find a purpose bigger than themselves. A fun YA that packs a big punch and lots of heart. Hubbard is a bright star in the YA world. |
| Recommended by Aly
Morgan Matson returns to her roots in this beautiful and hilarious story. Darcy believes in true love. That’s why, when she meets Russell at the bus station and borrows his phone charger, she knows it’s fate. But can anyone truly get to know and love someone in just one night? |
| Recommended by Jenny
A perfect fantastical escape into love, courage, court intrigue, and magical tea. The end had me on the edge of my seat! |
| Recommended by Katie
A queer rivals to lovers mariachi romance set at the fictional Selena Quintanilla Performing Arts Academy. SAY LESS! Jonny Garza Villa is one of my absolute favorites. I want to put this book (or any of his books for that matter) in the hands of everyone who comes in the store. It’s just that good. |
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By Kekla Magoon
The May 2024 Spark Book Club pick is The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon. Eleven year-old Delilah “Dally” Peteharrington’s after-school time is limited to classes selected by her mom. One day she finds a secret library, a library full of secrets, and her time-travel adventures into her family’s past begin.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“A deeply satisfying, page-turning, genre-defying read.” – 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 Morgan Matson
The May 2024 ParnassusNext selection is The Ballad of Darcy & Russell by Morgan Matson. Darcy is stranded at a bus station after a music festival where she meets Russell, an aspiring musical theater writer. This is a swoony romantic novel about love at first sight, and the awkwardness that can come after. It asks…is it possible to fall in love in just one day?
Early praise for the novel:
“A strongly plotted romantic comedy with plenty of well-structured, pitch-perfect drama to dig into.” – Kirkus, 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 