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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The Fire of Stars
BIOGRAPHY / "In parallel plotlines, two stars are born—one to flare in space and another sort on Earth to shed light on how." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Chinese Menu
NONFICTION / "The hidden histories, fantastical folklore, and tastiest tidbits of American Chinese cuisine. An utterly delectable feast of history and storytelling." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Chinese Menu -
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
BIOGRAPHY / "The true story of a young Anishinaabe woman and her family’s legacy of Native water activism. A touching ode to Indigenous activists organizing for generations of clean water." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior -
Unstoppable
BIOGRAPHY / "The 1963 March on Washington...would never have happened if not for Bayard Rustin, the individual behind the conception, organization, and management of the event. This picture book thoughtfully addresses basic human rights and introduces young readers to an important behind-the-scenes hero." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Mexikid
GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Living in California’s Central Coast as a first-generation Mexican American, Pedro (or the “American-style†Peter) struggles to find his place." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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The Book of Turtles
NONFICTION / "A longtime ambassador for the animal kingdom introduces turtles from around the world." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Hope for Ryan White
BIOGRAPHY / "In 1984, when Ryan is diagnosed with AIDS caused by hemophilia treatments...[he] fights for equality." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Homeland
NONFICTION / "Three siblings of Palestinian descent listen to their father’s bedtime story about a homeland they’ve never seen. A beautiful tale of family, love for a lost homeland, and remembrance." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Homeland -
Camp Sylvania
CHAPTER BOOK / "A girl must survive not only fat camp, but the vampire who runs it. A fun and spooky celebration of fat kids and friendship." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Invisible Things
NONFICTION / "A field guide of sorts to the intangibles of life. Make sure you see this playful, wise title." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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