 Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi is a fun, colorful, and meaningful picture book that helps introduce young kids to the idea of fairness, inclusion, and standing up against racism. With nine simple steps, Kendi encourages little readers (and the adults reading with them) to be aware of racial differences, challenge injustice, and embrace kindness.
The book’s bright and bold illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky make it super engaging for kids, and the rhyming text keeps things fun while delivering an important message. It’s a great starting point for parents who want to have early conversations about race in an age-appropriate way. Even though Antiracist Baby is meant to promote positive values, it has been banned in some schools and libraries for addressing race and social justice. But that’s exactly what makes it such an important book. It encourages open conversations and helps raise thoughtful, compassionate kids. This is a great pick for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to introduce kids to big ideas in a simple, engaging way. It’s a book that sparks important discussions while keeping things fun and accessible for little ones. Reserve it at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 I Am Alfonso Jones is a graphic novel that hits hard. Alfonso is a Black 15-year-old boy with big dreams, but his life is cut short when he’s wrongfully shot by an off-duty cop after a hanger is mistaken for a gun. In the afterlife, he meets other victims of police violence, while his family and friends fight for justice back home.
The story is raw, emotional, and eye-opening, with powerful artwork that brings it to life. It’s been challenged in some schools for tackling police brutality and racial injustice, but that just makes it an even more important topic to discuss. If you’re looking for a book that makes you think and feel, with great art to boot, this one’s a must-read. Check it out at the library. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Sharon M. Draper’s Blended is a powerful and relatable story about identity, family, and figuring out where you fit in. The book follows 11-year-old Isabella, whose parents are divorced, her dad is Black, her mom is white—and she feels like she’s constantly switching between two worlds. As she moves between their homes, their expectations, and even their cultures, she struggles to figure out who she really is.
Draper does an amazing job capturing what it’s like to be a middle schooler dealing with family changes and big questions about race and identity. The story is easy to read but doesn’t shy away from tough topics, including racism and feeling torn between two sides of yourself. There’s even a shocking and emotional moment involving police violence that makes this book especially relevant. Despite its important themes, Blended has been banned in some schools for addressing race, privilege, and police brutality. However, these are exactly the kinds of conversations that make the book so valuable. Draper handles these issues with honesty and sensitivity, making Blended a must-read for young readers and adults alike. Reserve the book at the library or download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books that sticks with you. Set in the 1930s South, it’s told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a curious, sharp kid growing up with her brother Jem and their dad, Atticus. When Atticus, a lawyer, defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime, Scout starts to see the ugly side of the world, racism, injustice, and the way people refuse to do what’s right. Harper Lee’s writing is simple but powerful, making big themes like racism, morality, and empathy easy to connect with. At its core, it’s about growing up and realizing the world isn’t always fair, but that standing up for what’s right still matters. The book has been banned and challenged in some schools for its discussions of race, language, and tough topics. Some people think it’s too controversial, but others see it as an important read for understanding history and injustice. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or coming back to it, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that makes you think, feel, and see things a little differently. Reserve the novel in regular or Large Print. Or, download the eBook or audiobook narrated by Sissy Spacek. We also have the classic movie starring Gregory Peck available on DVD for checkout. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian   1984 pulls you into a world where the government watches everything, controls what people think, and even rewrites history. Winston Smith, the main character, dares to question the system, but in a place where Big Brother sees all, that’s a dangerous game.
Orwell’s writing is unsettling and powerful. We’ve seen nations dealing with real-life examples of media suppression and attempts to rewrite history, making this dystopian story feel eerily close to reality. While it’s clearly fiction, it scratches that uneasy spot where the line between imagination and truth starts to blur. The book has been banned in some places for its political themes, sexual content, and sharp critique of authoritarianism. Some found it too radical, while others just thought it was too bleak. Love it or hate it, 1984 stays with you forever. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about freedom, censorship, and the dangers of unchecked power. We have the novel as well as a graphic novel if you prefer. There's also an eBook and audiobook available for download with your SPL card. There is also a Spanish edition eBook and audiobook available. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The Poet X is a powerful story told in verse about Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen who finds her voice through poetry. Caught between her strict religious upbringing and her need for self-expression, she pours her thoughts into her notebook, using poetry to figure out who she really is.
Acevedo’s writing is raw and emotional, making Xiomara’s journey feel real and relatable. The book has been banned in some schools because it talks about sexuality, religion, and standing up for yourself, but that just makes it even more worth reading for adults and youth alike. If you love stories about finding your voice and pushing back against expectations, this one’s for you. Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You isn’t a dry history book, it’s fast, engaging, and written in a way that feels like a conversation. Jason Reynolds takes Ibram X. Kendi’s work and makes it super readable, breaking down how racist ideas started, how they’ve changed over time, and how they still show up today. This book has been praised for making tough topics easy to understand, especially for younger readers. But it’s also been banned in some schools for talking about systemic racism and U.S. history. Some critics say it’s too divisive, while others believe it’s an important tool for understanding the world we live in. No matter where you stand, Stamped gets people talking. If you want a fresh, honest take on history and race, this is a book worth reading. Get a copy at the library or download the audiobook. There is also Stamped (for Kids) that was adapted for younger audiences by Sonja Cherry-Paul. Reserve it at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian   Fahrenheit 451 throws you into a world where books are illegal, and firemen don’t put out fires, they burn books instead. Guy Montag, one of these firemen, starts to question everything after meeting a curious young woman. As he secretly begins reading the books he’s supposed to destroy, he realizes just how much his society fears knowledge and independent thought.
Bradbury’s writing is intense and poetic, making this dystopian world feel eerily close to home. It’s not just a book about censorship, it’s about what happens when people stop thinking for themselves and let entertainment replace real conversation. Ironically, Fahrenheit 451 has been banned and challenged in schools for its themes, language, and critique of censorship, the very thing it warns about. It’s a quick, thought-provoking read that still feels relevant today. If you care about free speech, curiosity, and the power of books, this one’s a must-read. There are many options for checking out this title! We have the novel and the graphic novel adaptation. We also have a copy in Spanish! You can download the eBook. There are four different readers to choose from for the audiobook, Stephen Hoye. Christopher Hurt, Tim Robbins, or author Ray Bradbury himself. We also have the 1966 film on DVD available for checkout. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  After we broke away from Great Britain, the Articles of Confederation were supposed to run the show, but they just didn't work. So, the same folks who led the revolution and got the government started got together again to fix things. That's where our Constitution came from. Now, if you want to understand why they set things up the way they did, like checks and balances and separation of powers, you've got to read The Federalist Papers. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote them to explain exactly why this new Constitution was so important. They cover everything, from why we need a strong federal government to how to protect our rights, and honestly, it's all still relevant today.
The Federalist Papers are available to reserve at the library and always available as an eBook download. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a heartbreaking and powerful novel that dives deep into themes of race, beauty, and self-worth. Set in 1940s Ohio, it follows Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who believes that having blue eyes will make her beautiful and, more importantly, loved.
Morrison’s writing is stunning, poetic, raw, and completely immersive. She doesn’t hold back in exploring tough topics like racism, trauma, child abuse, and societal neglect, making this a book that’s as thought-provoking as it is emotionally heavy. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s an important one that forces you to see the world through a different lens. Though The Bluest Eye has been banned in many places for its difficult themes, it remains a must-read. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve finished, reminding you of the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in literature. Get the eBook or audiobook download with your SPL library card. If you prefer a physical copy, contact us and we can order one through interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Ever wished your favorite book could be real? Dreamed of meeting the characters? Be careful what you wish for, because on Addington Isle, fiction is far less deadly than reality.
In Winterset Hollow, a group of friends visits the setting of their favorite childhood book, a whimsical tale of talking animals and their end-of-summer festival. Think The Wind in the Willows or Winnie-the Pooh. But the truth behind the story is far darker than they ever imagined. Barley Day isn't just a celebration, it's a hunt. And they're the prey. Thrilling, terrifying, and full of surprises, Winterset Hollow delivers unforgettable and sympathetic characters on both sides, shocking twists, and a climax that will leave you gasping. On Barley Day, there’s only one rule: run. Maybe you've never heard of this book, but if you spend any time on social media, you've seen the author's quotes. He's become quite famous for his wit. You should read his book, it's one of my favorites. Reserve it here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The Sympathizer is a thrilling mix of spy thriller and historical drama set during and after the Vietnam War. The nameless narrator, a conflicted double agent, struggles with divided loyalties between communist Vietnam and capitalist America, all while delivering sharp, sarcastic insights. With twists, dark humor, and a deep dive into identity and betrayal, this book is a solid, thought-provoking read that hooks you from the beginning and keeps you on your toes, never knowing where it will go.
Reserve the book from the library or get the eBook with your SPL card. Viet Thanh Nguyen won the Pulitzer for this novel and well as many other awards, and he certainly deserved all of them! It has since been made into an HBO series starring Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles that the narrator meets during his life. Hoa Xuande of Cowboy Bebop plays our narrator, and Sandra Oh also stars. The showrunner and director of several episodes is Park Chan-wook, famous for Decision to Leave and the Vengeance Trilogy (Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) which can be viewed on Kanopy with your SPL card at the time of this post. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Redshirts by John Scalzi is a riot! This absurdly funny, meta sci-fi adventure is about a bunch of low-ranking space crew members who realize they're basically cannon fodder. I'm serious, they die a lot. As they try to figure out what's going on, they stumble on this completely bananas truth about their universe.
It's a quick, fun read with tons of witty jokes, crazy plot twists, and a lot of affection for (and playful jabs at) old-school sci-fi. Ever wonder why those random background characters always bite the dust in space? This book totally gets you. Sound like your jam? Reserve it at the library here or download the eBook with your SPL card here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  True Grit by Charles Portis isn't just your typical Western; it's a fantastic story of revenge, but also surprisingly funny and touching. Told from the point of view of the super-independent 14-year-old Mattie Ross, it's all about her going after the guy who killed her dad. She hires Rooster Cogburn, a tough, one-eyed US Marshal, and their unlikely team-up is what makes the book so great. Portis's writing is a joy to read, really witty and descriptive. Sure, it's a revenge story, but the characters, especially Mattie (she's amazing!) and the wonderfully grumpy Rooster, are what make this book unforgettable. True Grit is a timeless story about courage, determination, and how complicated justice can be, and it's told brilliantly. I'm not usually into Westerns, but I loved this one. Highly recommend!
Reserve the library book (also in Large Print) or use your SPL card for the audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Night by Elie Wiesel is a gut-wrenching, raw glimpse into one of history's darkest periods. In this memoir, Wiesel pulls no punches as he recounts his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, making the reader feel every moment of despair, shock, and lingering disbelief. The narrative is both sparse and powerful, reflecting the stark reality of life in the concentration camps without ever drifting into unnecessary embellishment. Despite its brevity, the book packs an emotional punch, urging you to reflect on humanity, the loss of innocence, and the capacity for both cruelty and resilience. It’s a tough, unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Would you like to read this? Click here to reserve! With your SPL card, the eBook and audioboook are also available to reserve. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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