Recommendations
See what La Grange Public Library staff members have to recommend.
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Button Pusher
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by Tyler Page
Button Pusher is a realistic graphic novel about Tyler, a child diagnosed with ADHD. Tyler's brain is different. He has a hard time paying attention in class. He acts out in silly, over-the-top ways. To the adults in his life, Tyler seems like a troublemaker, but he knows that he's not. Tyler is curious and creative. He's the best artist in his grade, and when he can focus, he gets great grades!… Continue
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Born on the Water
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by Nikole Hannah-Jones
A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Her Grandma gathers the whole family and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders. Before that, they had a home, a land and a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived. With… Continue
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Catalina Incognito
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by Jennifer Torres
This new beginning chapter book series features Catalina, a girl who likes things to be perfect. Her family describes as her being persnickety. She is disappointed when her great-aunt, Tia Abuela, a famous telenovela actress, gives her a sewing kit for her 8th birthday. However, she discovers that it’s not boring but instead, can be used to turn ordinary clothing into magical disguises. She… Continue
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We Have a Playdate
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by Frank Dormer
This early reader story follows four friends around the playground as they learn from each other and have the most fun they can in a day. The simple illustrations focus on the characters and the actions. Each chapter takes the group to a new piece of playground equipment, each with its own challenges. How does snake enjoy the swings? What happened to the monkey bars? There is fun, laughter, (and… Continue
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Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa
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by Julian Randall
Fans of Tristan Strong and Land of Stories, here is your next obsession. Pilar Ramirez’s world is changing, and she doesn’t care for it. Her Chicago neighborhood is gentrifying, her best friend moved away and her responsibilities have doubled. The only constant is Abuela and Mami’s code of silence around her cousin Natasha who disappeared in the Dominican Republic 50 years ago.… Continue
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Bathe the Cat
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by Alice B. McGuinty
It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity until finally Dad restores some kind of order, but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet? This hilarious… Continue
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The Gender Identity Guide for Parents
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by Tavi Hawn
The Gender Identity Guide for Parents is a timely resource for any parent, educator or adult interested in clear, easily understood topics and advice regarding kids and gender expression and identity. This book is a quick read, coming in at 138 pages (including FAQs, references and print and online resources). Tavi Hawn, practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker, defines and explains concepts… Continue
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The Genius Under the Table: growing up behind the Iron Curtain
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by Eugene Yelchin
This autobiography of the artist and illustrator as a child growing up in the Soviet Union feels like life. Yevgeny, as he was called as a child, struggled with understanding the world around him. It is quite a world; Leningrad in the 1960’s. He is an ordinary child going to school and trying to please his family. Does he have a special talent like his brother? Who is the man missing from… Continue
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What Lives in the Woods
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by Lindsay Currie
Ginny and her brother Leo are ready to enjoy their summer, but their plans change when their dad, a restoration expert, announces that the family will spend a month in Michigan at Woodmore Manor, a creepy old mansion with lots of history and spooky legends. Ginny starts encountering strange phenomenon; ticking sounds only she can hear, shadowy figures, a mannequin that moves and broken… Continue
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Frankie & Bug
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by Gayle Forman
This book has everything a summer story should have: ice cream, lemonade, roller skating, time at the beach, new friends and...a serial killer. Set in 1987 Venice, California, we meet 10-year old Bug, her family and her neighbors as summer begins. Bug is frustrated that her plans for a perfect summer are being changed, but this summer and meeting Frankie will open her eyes to a much wider world.… Continue
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My Two Border Towns
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by David Bowles
A picture book debut by an award-winning author about a boy's life on the U.S./Mexico border, visiting his favorite places on The Other Side with his father, spending time with family and friends and sharing in the responsibility of community care. My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son's weekend ritual, a… Continue
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Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World
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by Donna Jo Napoli
Have you ever read a story about the moon that has its roots in the Russian Arctic? How about a magic frog from Sri Lanka? Or a magic bowl in Palestine? Donna Jo Napoli has collected and adapted these oral stories and others from around the world. The stories are all connected by the “thread of magic” and illustrated beautifully by Christina Balit (who also illustrated Napoli’s… Continue
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The Sea in Winter
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by Christine Day
It's been a hard year for Maisie Cannon ever since she tore her ACL and her dreams of dancing ballet professionally were put on hold. Her blended family is loving and supportive, but Maisie knows they just can't understand how hopeless she feels. She is not excited for their family midwinter road trip near the Makah community where her mother grew up. Soon, Maisie's anxieties and dark moods start… Continue
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Marcus Makes a Movie
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by Kevin Hart
Comedian Kevin Hart makes his writing debut with this middle-grade novel. Marcus is a middle school student who joins the video club because nothing else is open. He loves to draw comic strips and has created a hero named Toothpick. Once he commits to making this movie, he is all in. Marcus is sure he is the greatest filmmaker of all time. But he quickly discovers that making a movie is WAY… Continue
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Asha and the Spirit Bird
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by Jasbinder Bilan
This is the story of Asha, a girl living in the foothills of the Himalayas. Money is tight, so her father works far away from their small-town home. When he suddenly stops sending his wages, a ruthless moneylender ransacks their farm. Asha makes a pact with her best friend, Jeevan, to find her father and make things right. The journey is dangerous; they must cross the world's highest mountains… Continue
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A Black Hole is Not a Hole
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by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
This is a great introduction to the extremely complex concept of black holes. The author not only explains what they are, but how they form, where they are located and what would happen if a person were to visit one. It also gives the historic timeline of scientific theories and discoveries regarding black holes. This beautifully illustrated book is highly informative, but it also makes the… Continue
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Unbound: The Life + Art of Judith Scott
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by Joyce Scott
In this picture book biography, Joyce Scott tells the story of her twin sister Judy, a remarkable fiber artist with Down syndrome. Born at a time when people with disabilities were largely misunderstood, Judy was sent to live at an institution for over 30 years. When Joyce and Judy can finally live together as adults, Judy thrives at the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, where… Continue
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Ways to Make Sunshine
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by Renee Watson
Ryan Hart’s name means “king” and she is determined to keep growing into the name her parents gave her—to be a leader, to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, sister and friend. But Ryan has a lot on her mind: fourth grade, self-image, and especially her family. Her dad finally has a new job but money is still tight. That means changes like moving into a new… Continue
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Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year
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by Nina Hamza
After his dad gets sick, Ahmed and his family move from Hawaii to Minnesota. Ahmed cannot imagine a worse place to live. To top it off, he's one of the only brown kids in his school. Not one to excel at school, Ahmed surprises himself by reading all the books assigned to him in class, and he doesn't hate them. Then Ahmed starts to learn about his family's past, particularly his uncle. Getting… Continue
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Invented by Animals: Meet the Creatures Who Inspired Our Everyday Technology
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by Christiane Dorion and Gosia Herba
Did you ever wonder where the idea to make paper from wood pulp came from? Or whether someone could design a real invisibility cloak someday? Or how cool it could be to be able to crawl across a ceiling? All these ideas and more came from scientists, inventors and other curious folks studying animals and insects! Think about it... Animals and insects have been finding amazing ways to adapt their… Continue
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Prairie Lotus
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by Linda Sue Park
This wonderful historical novel is set in 1880 Dakota Territory. Hanna and her father arrive in the town of LaForge to begin a new life. Not only do they face the usual issues of life in a newly established town, far from bigger cities, but they will face racism as well. Hanna is half-Chinese, the only Asian person most people in LaForge have ever met. Will this friendly, smart and talented girl… Continue
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Outside, Inside
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by LeUyen Pham
This picture book does a beautiful job of explaining the last year without mentioning the word ‘pandemic’. It celebrates essential workers who could not go inside because some needed to protect us, and others made sure that we had what we needed. Even though we stayed inside we continued to learn and grow, and nature thrived on the outside. The text captures so many emotions from 2020… Continue
