We asked CTCL's youth patrons what books they love, and here is what they recommend and why!
Picture Books & Early Readers
Hug Machine by Scott Campbell
The sixth book in the unstoppable, multi-million bestselling Japanese series; four guests with four poignant stories get another chance at lasting happiness.
Why it's recommended: “Because I love huging”
Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems
Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant and Piggie.
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
Why it's recommended: “Easy read for 2 years+”
Minecraft: The Ultimate Collection! by Nick Eliopulos, Arie Kaplan, and Alan Batson
Five Minecraft(R) Step Into Reading level 3 readers are collected in one book for even more action-packed adventures based on one of the world's best-selling video games! Perfect for children ready to read on their own.
Why it's recommended: “Because it’s the best cople of books in 1 book!”
Juvenile Early Chapter Books
Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott
This adorable New York Times bestselling early chapter book series is perfect for young girls who love friendship stories starring animal characters! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers.
Why it's recommended: “Because it the best book”
Junie B. Jones (entire series) by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones celebrates what she is thankful for with her class in the hit chapter book series that keeps kids laughing and “makes reading fun”
Why it's recommended: “It is a really cute, and funny book for all ages and its a chapter book for kids.”
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park
In her own words, a young girl describes her feelings about starting kindergarten and what she does when she decides not to ride the bus home.
Why it's recommended: “Because it is very funny”
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar
The definitive biography of the life and career of one of music history's most beloved, versatile, unforgettable icons--the singer-songwriter of legendary hits including "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman"-- from his chart-topping highs and tragic lows to his momentous comeback.
Why it's recommended: “Because it get stranger and stranger = funnyer”
Agents of S.U.I.T.: Sew Much Trouble by John Patrick Green with Christopher Hastings and Pat Lewis
Someone has stolen the Notorious P.I.G. food truck, and with it, Piggy Smalls's special BBQ sauce! But before Bongo and Marsha can solve the case, they need to solve the problems they're having with each other. To help them realize what a great team they truly are, General Inspector decides to split them up. He assigns Marsha to work with Cilantro on a super-secret pilot program, and Bongo to work with Sven on a not so-secret reality competition: "Sew You Think You Can Sew!"
But here's the rub: This season includes a chef challenge, and underground sources say Piggy Smalls's notorious sauce was stolen to help one of the contestants win!
Why it's recommended: “Cool”
A to Z Mysteries: The Vampire’s Vacation by Ron Roy
When Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose follow a pale, dark-haired stranger into Ellie's Diner, he vanishes. But Ellie has a cut on her neck . . . or could it be a bite? Could there really be a vampire in Green Lawn? Illustrations.
Why it's recommended: “So interesting it will keep you busy for sure I love it”
Unicorn Academy by Julie Skyes
A magical chapter book series where everyone is paired with a unicorn of their own.
Why it's recommended: “it is gud story. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️"
Unicorn Academy: Scarlett and Blaze by Julie Skyes
Join the girls at Lakeside Unicorn Academy - when your best friend is a unicorn, magical adventures are guaranteed!
Why it's recommended: “The shoe...”
Juvenile Chapter Books & Graphic Novels
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
Seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations. A secret movementcalled the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end tothe fighting, with the help of a prophecy.Five dragonets are enlisted, against their will, to end the terriblewar.But when they escape their prison, the result may be more than intended. . .
Why it's recommended: “Because the book is intense and a lot of action”
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Terrifyingly fun! Max Brallier's The Last Kids on Earth delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs.' Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Why it's recommended: “It is thrilling. It will also keep you busy”
A Galaxy of Sea Stars by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
A heartwarming middle-grade novel about family, loyalty, and the hard choices we face in the name of friendship.
Why it's recommended: “It’s beautiful and has a great story. The character development was also amazing. Also, a little bit emotional.”
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
The dragon's out of the bag in this diverse, young urban fantasy from an award-winning author!When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch!She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe.
Why it's recommended: "It is very interesting from start to end."
Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon by Leila Howland
Rapunzel is not your typical princess.For one thing, she has returned to her kingdom after eighteen years spent trapped in a tower and she's still getting to know her parents.For another, she has to get used to royal customs, like the proper ways to sit and curtsy, when she'd really rather climb a tree and paint.Plus, she hates wearing shoes.
Why it's recommended: “It’s a mystery!!! ❤️"
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
A New York Times bestselling series A USA TODAY bestselling series A California Young Reader Medal-winning series In this riveting series opener, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world before the wrong person finds the answer first.
Why it's recommended: “Just plain awesome and has many twists and just makes you more creative.”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney
It's Greg's birthday--and you're invited to the chaos. In Partypooper, the 20th book in Jeff Kinney's global smash-hit Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is planning the ultimate party--for himself. But when the guest list grows, the decorations flop, and the surprises backfire, this birthday bash turns into a total blowout--just not the kind Greg had in mind. Packed with cake disasters, family fiascos, and classic Wimpy Kid humor, this book is perfect for readers ages 8-12.
Why it's recommended: “Because it is a funny book and Greg learns a lesson.”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley and sports just don't mix. In Big Shot, the sixteenth book in Jeff Kinney's #1 international bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg is ready to retire from athletics after a disastrous field day--until his mom convinces him to give basketball one last shot.Greg lands on the worst team imaginable, and their chances of winning are slim. But when the ball is in Greg's hands, anything can happen. A slam dunk for kids ages 8-12 who love sports stories with heart and humor.
Why it's recommended: “It just so good”
The Baby-Sitters Club by Raina Telgemeier
The Baby-Sitters Club follows a group of middle-school friends in the fictional town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut, who run a local babysitting business
Why it's recommended: "So many cool adventures”
Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Witch by Katy Farina
A fresh and fun graphic novel series spin-off of The Baby-sittersClub, featuring Kristy's little stepsister!
Why it's recommended: “Because it is thrilling and interesting”
Juvenile Nonfiction
The Ultimate Book of Sharks by Brian Skerry
Dive into the wild world of sharks! Get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry.
Why it's recommended: “Because I like shark teeth and it’s very informative.”
Basher Science: Chemistry by Dan Green
Step into a world of chemistry that's fizzing with fascinating facts and beaming with bright illustrations!
Why it's recommended: “Informative and Exciting”
Snow Stopping You With Minecraft by Joey Davey, Jonathan Green, and Juliet Stanley
Polar bears, snowstorms, and zombies? Welcome to the wintery world of Minecraft. This handy guide gives readers the tools they'll need to survive in Minecraft's icy landscapes, and three epic projects to begin their own snow kingdom. Each project includes a list of necessary materials and step-by-step instructions with visuals. Readers will gain confidence in their engineering skills as they progress through beginner, intermediate, and master builds. They'll construct a cozy igloo library, a massive polar outpost, and a fancy ice hotel. Expert tips help readers create snow golem armies, find fish and other crucial materials.
Why it's recommended: “It can help you build cool stuff!”
Planes by Amy Shields
How cool is a supersonic jet that can zip, dip, and zoom through the air? Or a helicopter that hovers as still as a hummingbird? In this 32-page beginning reader, a real-life pilot introduces kids to the greatest planes that ever flew.
Why it's recommended: “I love that it’s so interesting”
Sisters and Brothers by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
The award-winning team of What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? and Move! once again create a nonfiction picture book that is amazingly beautiful, fun, and filled with all sorts of interesting facts. Here, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page investigate sibling relationships throughout the animal kingdom. In this book you will learn that anteaters are always only children and nine-banded armadillos are always born as identical quadruplets. You will also learn that falcons play-hunt in the sky and that hyena cubs fight to the death. This is the perfect book for animal lovers young and old!
Why it's recommended: “Cus I love my brother and sister”
Teen Fiction and Graphic Novels
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
Why it's recommended: “Its sooooooo good 🙂🙂”
Hooky by Steve Miriam Bonastre Tur
Two twins, one prophecy, and a whole lot of hijinks. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes a fantastical story about twin siblings Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. Perfect for fans of THE OKAY WITCH and the 5 Worlds series.
Why it's recommended: “I love magic books and comics. I also love long books its so fun!”