A middle-grade fantasy full of heart. Prewitt and Calliope set off to bring hope back to Lyrica in the form of the firebird and to banish the demon back to darkness. This book is full of friendship, tough choices, incredible bravery, and nonstop action! Loved every minute. –Becky, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA When you …
Hugo, former FBI, now at the US Embassy in Paris, has a thing for old books. When one of his favorite booksellers goes missing and no one will talk about it, he just can’t let it go. Good twisty mystery, great characters, and a fantastic sense of the city of Paris! This is the first …
Told from dual perspectives—from Benny and from “the Book” itself—young Benny’s story begins when his father is killed in a senseless accident and he begins hearing the voices of inanimate objects. Much to his dismay, his mother, Annabelle, finds comfort in collecting random items to excess, and the situation soon spirals out of control. However, …
A beautifully-written story that explores identity, race, colonialism, and the unique perspective of the African diaspora. The Sankofa is mythical bird that flies forward while looking back, and this theme is brought out in this novel– as the protagonist must come to terms with her own messy and tumultuous past before she can find solace …
Katrina is on the run to find a better life when she is discovered by famed violin teacher Shizuka– who happens to be searching for one more soul to finish her deal with Hell. As she trains Katrina, Shizuka also meets Lan, former starship captain turned donut shop owner. I was entranced by this story …
Bronwyn realizes she can change the atmosphere, but how much can she do, how far can she go, and what is the purpose of this gift? With an unusual story, Emmons writes a tale full of science, faith, exploration, and maybe even love. –Dianah Hughley, Powell’s Books, Portland, OR Follow the staff picks to unique …
If you liked: ✓ books starring spirited & sassy girls ✓ underdog-type stories with brave main characters ✓ stories with unique world building ✓ ice skating & martial arts… together, then try Peasprout Chen: Future Legend of Skate & Sword. –Powell’s Books, Portland, OR Many thanks to author Kelly Jones for taking a photo of …
Sit down. Right here in the aisle is fine. Get your phone, put in earbuds. Go to YouTube. Watch Li-Young Lee read his poem”This Room and Everything in It.” Buy this book. –Shawn, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA Immerse yourself in poetry at Elliott Bay Book Company and other independent bookstores.
Focusing on three strong figures– writer Mikhail Bulgakov; the beautiful, outspoken Margarita; and Ilya, a member of Stalin’s secret police– Mikhail and Margarita is a love triangle, a biographical literary thriller, and a paean to literature, a needful thing in times of tyranny and chaos. –Gigi, Powell’s Books, Portland, OR This novel was a March …
Originally published as a webcomic, Nimona was author/artist Noelle’s big break– and it’s so good! Mash together sci-fi and fantasy, make the main characters jaded villains, add some great artwork, and you have something special. –Dorie, Village Books, Lynden, WA You can read more about Dorie’s favorite books on her staff picks page. Pick up …
