Has anyone been lucky enough to get to hibernate all winter? And now you're emerging from your months of sleep and reading this blog post? Well, thanks for that! And also, welcome to... this weird in-between period where we definitely just had an ice storm, but spring is clearly around the corner. Wisconsin, am I right?
Anyway, welcome to March! We've got a lot in store at the library this month, from Women's History Month (check out the display upstairs) to a Wisconsin-themed trivia night, not to mention loads of new storytime themes, a special Spring Break Staycation week for kids, and so much more for all ages.
We're excited about all of our upcoming programming, of course, but we're also excited about the books we've read recently that we want you to know about. This month, there's one new and mega-popular mystery novel, a serene and thoughtful graphic novel, fantasy, contemporary, and historical fiction.
Every title links to the corresponding entry in the online catalog. Place the book on hold from there, or give us a call and we’ll place it on hold for you!
Amber
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (2021)
Confession time! My guilty pleasure is YA fantasy and I am not ashamed to admit it! I am so excited for this new series, Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer. The country of Kandala is being torn apart by a mysterious plague. People are dying and the only cure seems to be an elixir made from moonflowers, which are in limited supply, a supply powered by the richest of the caste system. King Harristan was forced into his role after his parents’ assassination. He and his brutal brother, Corrick, rule the land with a heavy hand. The people of Kandala do not like or trust them to lead their people through this sickness. In comes a young apothecary named Tessa and her companion Wes. They sneak through the night stealing moonflowers from the rich to give to the poor, but everything is not as it seems and soon Tessa finds herself in the castle fumbled in a plot to kill Prince Corrick...what will happen? READ THIS TO FIND OUT! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
The Maid by Nita Prose (2022)
This book came in hot! Get on the wait list now, it's a popular one! Fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman will love this story. Molly is an eccentric hotel maid who finds one of her guests murdered in his bed during one of her cleaning rounds. Due to her lack of social skills and her habit of taking things way too literally, Molly finds herself at the center of the investigation as the suspect. Molly feels alone, but soon finds that she may have had a few friends after all, and those friends want to help her get out of this mess. Everyone will be talking about Molly the maid this spring...I guarantee it!
Christine
A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong (2020)
When Ren and Luna meet on the basketball court by the beach, they become fast friends. But after Luna moves back to Hawai’i without so much as a goodbye, Ren is forced to move on alone as her life becomes increasingly complicated. And when Luna returns two years later, she brings her own share of personal issues — including figuring out why Ren is reluctant to rekindle their friendship. As if that’s not enough, they and three other girls become founding members of their high school’s basketball team, putting Ren and Luna right back in the environment that sparked their friendship in the first place. All five girls on the team bring different identities and backgrounds to the story, which offers depth as well as an opportunity for multiple types of readers to see themselves reflected in the pages. This is a beautiful graphic novel about friendship and growing up.
Terika
Starfish by Lisa Fipps (2021)
Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. A great read for middle grade students to learn and feel empathy. The novel is written in verse, so it is a very quick read. Should be required reading for every bully and every child who stands by and allows bullying to continue!
Emily
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (2021)
A young French librarian working at the American Library in Paris helps to save books and friends from the destruction of World War II. This is a quick and enjoyable read based on a true story illuminated by the author's research. Alternating narratives will have you jumping between place and time.
Steve
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell (2015)
This book is the first of a thirteen book series — England in the 9th century with young Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He is born a Christian Saxon, but from a young age is raised by pagan Danes. This dispossessed Ealdorman grows into a fierce warrior and is eventually torn between two identities. His main goal is to regain his father’s homeland, but there are many steps to be taken on his journey.
