| PICTURE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Rachel
A bedtime story that will surely lead to the sweetest of dreams. Dragons are aflight, but they do not come with fire-breath and war, rather, they teach you to imagine a world of peace. Imagine… |
| Recommended by Ashby
For kids? Yes. For adults? YES! We all worry. Our worries can make us go full monster. The 7 Mindful Monster Moves can help all of us, no matter our age, face the “What if’s” that creep into our minds. Everyone needs this! |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
This lyrical joyburst is vibrantly illustrated and brimming with references to the greatest musicians in Black American history. It is sure to inspire music lovers of all ages! |
| Recommended by Marcia
A sweet story about Wee Unicorn (who is NOT magic!) and the way she feels when she reacts unkindly to a “monster” much different than any creature she’s ever met before. |
| YOUNG ADULT |
| Recommended by Ashby
Recipe: an escape room + TV show The Traitors = The Wilde Trials. Like The Rosewood Hunt, Reed’s newest centers on a contest. Chloe is determined to win the prize money for her sick sister teaming up with her ex-boyfriend whose brother died during the trials. Chloe must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to win. Her life? |
| Recommended by Aly
Megan Lally is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA thriller authors. This book is a nonstop thrill ride car chase from start to finish, literally and figuratively. Nobody can be trusted. Not even the narrator. |
| Recommended by Aly
Jenna has spent her whole life being compared to her beautiful, smart, wealthy cousin/friend Jessica. When a wish on a star goes more than a little haywire, she wakes up to find her dreams have come true: she IS Jessica. But where is the real Jessica? And why does nobody remember Jenna? |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Politics, intrigue, spies, and a little magic imbue the French court in Paris 1572. Jac must somehow navigate it all beside her best friend, the princess Margot. But when a suitor comes calling for Margot and Jac catches his interest instead, Jac is forced to make decisions that will affect her friendship, her future, and even her safety. |
| Recommended by Aly
It’s nice to know that some things in life can be consistent, and Gayle Forman making me cry is always going to happen. This story is not just about Amber, who died seven years ago but is somehow suddenly back, but about everyone her life and death affected, for the bad and in some ways also the good. |
| CLASSICS & BACKLIST |
| Recommended by Tara
A delightfully cozy story about a group of children who grow to appreciate their home just the way it is. A good reminder for kids and grownups alike. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
Animals emerge from the forest after the fairground closes to enjoy the rides and games at night in this beautifully illustrated whimsical picture book. |
| Recommended by Tara
Every night before bed Mama wraps her hair in a scarf to keep it nice and soft. One day when mama is going to work, she gives Chino her sleeping scarf to play with until she comes back home. This book is a celebration of slow moments through the eyes of a child and a beautiful reminder that grownups always come back. |
| Recommended by Gavin, 8th grade
The gold standard for what a manga can be and no matter what anyone says it is never going to be nearly enough. |
| Recommended by Tara
A seminal coming of age love story perfect for the young and young at heart.
Also loved by Cheryl! |
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The February 2025 Sprout Book Club selection is The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share by Steve Small. Hare is proud of his turnip patch that he grows, tends, and harvests alone. He has no need for the companionship of the rabbits next door. When danger arrives, hare darts into action in this sweet picture book about the joys of unexpected friendships.
Early praise for the book:
“Giving has never been so gratifying.” – Kirkus, starred review
Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book. Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. |
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The February 2025 Spark Book Club selection is Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo. Meticulous Jones (called Metty by her friends) and everyone in her world receive their fate in the form of a magical tattoo on their 10th birthday. Metty’s tattoo alarms her and sends her family into hiding. When her father is captured, Metty’s aunt whisks her away to New London, a place of wonder and magical ink. Danger is on the rise and Metty’s family and her fate may be connected. A magnificent magical debut!
Early Sparks for the novel:
“A page-turning exploration of family ties, self-perception, and the powerful effect of labels.” –Kirkus
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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The February 2025 ParnassusNext selection is The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith. Ivy’s family hasn’t been the same since her sister briefly vanished. Ivy suspects her sister made an unfortunate bargain with the Faerie Queen and now she’s not the same. When the Queen announces her son is seeking a bride, Ivy enters the competition, hoping to repair her family’s reputation and finances in this atmospheric fantasy.
Early praise for the novel:
“Familial duty unfolds into an exploration of desires and self-sacrifice in this promising series opener.” – 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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