Book Recommendations From The Public Library

Are you looking for a good beach read as summer winds down? Perhaps you’re seeking a story to capture your son or daughter’s interest as they enjoy the last few weeks before school starts. Librarians from the Severna Park and Broadneck branches of Anne Arundel County Public Library shared their recommendations for a range of audiences.

TEENS AND KIDS BOOKS

“I Am a Cat” by Galia Bernstein
Simon is like all the other big cats although the big cats disagree. The illustrations are beautiful and it’s fun to act like a cat with your little one.
Gabi Gardiner, Broadneck Library

“B is for Baby” by Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
This story is illustrated with bright, cheerful color. Baby travels with big brother to Baba’s house in Bougainvillea. If you love this book, you will love “Baby Goes to Market” as well.
Gabi Gardiner, Broadneck Library

“Run Wild” by David Covell
Fun read for those active toddlers! Ditch the tablet and run wild through the wilderness. This is a great summer read for children to get outdoors and explore.
Gabi Gardiner, Broadneck Library

“I Am Still Alive” by Kate Alice Marshall
Jess’ survivalist dad has been out of her life since she was a baby. But after a car crash killed her mother, Jess is forced to move in with him in a cabin hundreds of miles from everyone. From everyone, that is, except from the guys who come to kill him and torch his cabin. How can Jess survive with no shelter, no food and no skills? And with knowing that his killers are coming back? Think “Hatchet” (by Gary Paulsen) with murder thrown in. (Recommended for teens)
Nisa Popper, Severna Park Library

“Harbor Me” by Jacqueline Woodson
It starts when six kids must spend time talking every week – by themselves, with no teachers listening in. At first, they wonder what they have to talk about. But after a couple of weeks in the ARTT room (A Room To Talk), they find that they can tell each other about the things in their lives that really matter: a dead mother, a father who was deported, being the target of racism. They find that when they’re together, they’re stronger and braver than they are when they’re apart. And they find that they can be a harbor – a safe place – for one another. If you liked “Brown Girl Dreaming,” which is also by Jacqueline Woodson, you’ll like this. (Recommended for ages 9 and up)
Nisa Popper, Severna Park Library

“Max and the Midknights” by Lincoln Peirce
Max wants to be a knight but instead he has been made an apprentice to his Uncle Budrick, a traveling bard. Things go downhill fast for Max. Highwaymen attack them and steal everything they own. By the time they get to town, Max looks so awful that the guards assume he’s a homeless vagrant and arrest him for loitering. Uncle Budrick manages to get Max set free after agreeing to be the king’s fool. And this isn’t the pleasant, nice King Conrad, the previous ruler of Byjovia (who died under mysterious circumstances). No, this is King Ghastley, who has no sense of humor and has a witch who rules by his side. The king doesn’t find Budrick’s shtick to be that funny and soon throws him in the dungeon! If you like “Big Nate,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Dog Man,” you’ll laugh out loud reading this medieval adventure. (Recommended for ages 7 and up)
Nisa Popper, Severna Park Library

ADULT BOOKS

“Theory of Bastards” by Audrey Schulman
While it contains elements of science fiction and dystopian novels, “Theory of Bastards” is actually neither, but is instead a journey into what makes us human. Francine is a biologist studying the behavior of bonobos at a research facility when an ecological disaster strikes. While Francine is studying the behavior patterns of bonobos, Schulman is actually studying the behavior of humanity. This book was the winner of the 2019 Philip K. Dick Award.
Andy Wolverton, Severna Park Library

“John Woman” by Walter Mosley
Cornelius, the son of an Italian-American mother and an older African-American father from Mississippi, is determined to follow his father's wisdom and teachings from history. Cornelius succeeds magnificently, earning a prestigious teaching position at a major university until an event from his past comes back to haunt him. Walter Mosley has written many fine mysteries, but this standalone novel may be his finest. An original, captivating read.
Andy Wolverton, Severna Park Library

“Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams” by Matthew Walker
Think you can get by on less than eight hours of sleep a night? Think you'll have a late afternoon cup of coffee? How about pulling an all-nighter every now and then? Matthew Walker, director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab, explains why these are all bad ideas and can have a lasting, damaging effect on your health. “Why We Sleep” is not only a fascinating, engaging book; it may actually change your life.
Andy Wolverton, Severna Park Library