Staff Faves 2023: Books for Kids
Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite chapter books, graphic novels and nonfiction books for kids - some with staff annotations, and others with annotations from Kirkus and Booklist, unless otherwise noted. (Created November 2023)
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An American Story
NONFICTION / "Alexander uses multiple voices to weave this poem about a teacher who takes on the difficult but necessary task of starting a classroom conversation about slavery. With powerful art from a bold new talent, this is a probing and sensitive take on a devastating chapter of U.S. history." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Duel
LOCAL AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL / Sixth grader Lucy is brand-new to middle school, and when her older sister GiGi--the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade--humiliates her in the cafeteria, Lucy snaps and challenges her to a fencing duel.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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Henry, Like Always
EARLY READER / "Classroom Ten has a Big Calendar, and Henry likes how it never changes. But this week, the teacher announces that their diverse class will have a parade on Friday. Deeply relatable reassurance for readers unnerved by change." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Eb & Flow
CHAPTER BOOK / "Suspended from school, seventh graders Eb and Flow find peace even as life doesn’t make it easy for them. A moving and layered story of reflection and connection." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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A Season Most Unfair
LOCAL AUTHOR / CHAPTER BOOK / "Set in medieval times, enjoy the journey of Tick who wants to apprentice with her candle maker father." -- Marion
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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School Trip
GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Jordan Banks, the lovable character from New Kid (2019) and Class Act (2020), is back for an end-of-school-year adventure as he and his friends embark on a trip to Paris." [Booklist]
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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Dogs
NONFICTION / "A tail-wagging tribute to all the Spikes, Lassies, and other working and companion pooches in our lives." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Skull
SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "Caldecott medalist Klassen’s signature style is brought to bear on a Tyrolean tale imbued with equal parts comfort and creepiness." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Make Way
BIOGRAPHY / "They will grow up to become Robert McCloskey, two-time Caldecott winner, including one for Make Way for Ducklings (1941), and Nancy Schön, sculptor of the famous ducklings, inspired by the picture book, in the Boston Public Garden, installed in 1987." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Jumper
NONFICTION / "Readers will leap for this magnificent glimpse at a most marvelous arachnid." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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