Recommendations
See what La Grange Public Library staff members have to recommend.
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The Art of Magic
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by Hanna Voskuil
A pack of paints, a set of pens and unlimited creativity throw two friends into an enchanted, fast-paced adventure. ZuZu's first summer without her best friend is looking pretty grim until she meets Andrew at a visit to the historic Mapleton Mansion. Together they stumble upon some enchanted art supplies and discover the shapes they draw and paint can come to life. Their creations are harmless,… Continue
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The World Belonged to Us
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by Jacqueline Woodson
It's getting hot outside; hot enough to turn on the hydrants and run through the water, which means it's finally summer in the city! Released from school and reveling in their freedom, the kids on one Brooklyn block take advantage of everything summertime has to offer. Freedom from morning until night to go out to meet their friends and make the streets their playground; jumping Double Dutch,… Continue
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Be Thankful for Trees
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by Harriet Ziefert
We all know that trees are special, but have you ever stopped to think about just how many ways that trees are part of our daily lives? Chances are you ate something today that came from a tree, and you probably or walked on something that was made from a tree. You may have even played or listened to an instrument made from a tree. Trees keep you alive, and they contribute to your happiness every… Continue
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Wingbearer
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by Marjorie Liu
In this middle-grade graphic novel, the first of a series, we meet Zuli. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she's never ventured beyond this safe place. When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, she must get to the root of it. This adventure is bigger than anything Zuli imagined, bringing her face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the… Continue
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The Sweetest Scoop
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by Lisa Robinson
Ben and Jerry became friends at age 12, even though one was into art and the other into science. After, college when one could not sell their art and the other did not get into medical school, they got together to brainstorm what to do next. Since they loved food, and found that ice cream was easier than other food to make, they decided to open an ice cream shop. Next, they found an abandoned gas… Continue
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Different Kinds of Fruit
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by Kyle Lukoff
Annabelle is elated when there’s a new kid, Bailey, in town. Annabelle loves hearing about their life in Seattle, plus Bailey has a cute smile and smells really good. When Annabelle’s irascible father shares that he and Bailey have something big, and surprising, in common, Annabelle begins to see herself, and her family, in a new light. She also starts to realize that her community… Continue
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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
