 Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a sweet, thoughtful story about kindness, friendship, and standing up for others. The story is told from the perspective of Red, an old oak tree that has been a part of the neighborhood for centuries. Every year, people tie their wishes to Red’s branches, hoping for good things to come. But when a new family moves in and isn’t welcomed by everyone, Red and its animal friends decide to help in their own special way.
Applegate’s writing is simple but powerful, making this a quick read that really sticks with you. It’s got a great message about inclusion and community, reminding us all to be a little kinder. Some schools have banned it because of its themes of diversity and acceptance, but honestly, that just makes it even more important to read. If you love heartfelt stories with a bit of magic and a lot of heart, Wishtree is definitely worth picking up. Reserve the book here. You can also get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 As always, Paul Tremblay delivers with his latest book, Horror Movie.
The story shifts between timelines: thirty years ago, a group of young filmmakers set out to create an arthouse horror film that was tragically never completed. The narrator, known only as The Thin Kid (we never learn his real name), was part of the cast and is now the sole survivor of the ill-fated production, which has since become a legend among online cult horror fans. In the present day, a reboot is underway, and the narrative alternates between past and present as we unravel what really happened. Was it real? Supernatural? Madness? I never knew what to expect, and even now, I’m not entirely sure how I feel. But, wow. What a ride. Tremblay never disappoints. Reserve the book from the library, or the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The United States of Absurdity is an absolutely ridiculous, yet strangely informative, deep dive into some of the most bizarre moments in American history. Written by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, the comedic duo behind The Dollop (one of my favorite podcasts), this book brings their signature mix of humor and historical research to the page in a way that makes you laugh, cringe, and question how half of these events even happened.
The book is packed with short, punchy chapters covering everything from disastrous medical experiments to inexplicably bad decisions by U.S. politicians, all presented in a way that makes history feel less like a dry lecture and more like a fever dream. The writing is snappy, irreverent, and full of the kind of banter that fans of The Dollop will immediately recognize. Some standout moments include the story of Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw whose mummified body ended up as a carnival attraction, and the absolutely deranged antics of medical quack John Brinkley, who made a fortune implanting goat testicles into men as a cure for impotence. There’s also a healthy dose of absurd sports stories, mind-boggling government missteps, and the kind of historical figures who make Florida Man look like an amateur. My personal favorite was the story of Major League pitcher Rube Waddell. If you like your history unfiltered, hilarious, and just a little bit horrifying, The United States of Absurdity is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of weird trivia, dark humor, and anyone who enjoys learning about the most ridiculous corners of American history. Reserve the book at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The Fletchers, Step, DeAnne, and their kids, just moved to Steuben, North Carolina. It's the early '80s, and this small town has a big problem: kids are vanishing. Step's a software developer (who, hilariously, thinks PCs are a fad), and they're a devout Mormon family (as is the author), so you get a real feel for their life. They're dealing with their own stuff, too, so they're kind of distracted when their eight-year-old, Stevie, starts spending all his time with his imaginary friends, which was not a great choice. Turns out, those "friends" know way more than anyone realizes. It's a slow burn, but things get creepy. And get ready to cry,this book will destroy you. Have tissues ready, preferably the whole box. I think about this book years later.
Reserve the audiobook online with your library card. If you prefer a physical copy, contact us about getting one through interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Iris Chang’s The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve put it down. It covers the horrifying events of the Nanking Massacre in 1937, when Japanese forces invaded the city and carried out brutal killings, mass rape, and unimaginable violence against civilians and prisoners. This isn’t an easy book to read, but it’s an important one.
Chang does an incredible job of making sure this piece of history isn’t forgotten. She breaks it down into three perspectives, the victims, the Japanese soldiers who committed these atrocities, and the foreigners who tried to help. This structure makes the book even more powerful, showing not just what happened but also how it was later covered up or denied. The book has faced some controversy, particularly from those who deny or downplay the massacre, and it has even been banned in some schools. Some argue it's too graphic or politically sensitive, but honestly, history should make us uncomfortable, especially when it involves crimes like this. Banning books like this only makes it easier for history to be forgotten or rewritten. That said, some historians have pointed out a few factual errors, and the book has been criticized for emotional intensity over academic neutrality. But that’s part of what makes it so impactful, Chang doesn’t just present facts; she makes you feel the weight of what happened. This is a tough but necessary read. If you care about history, justice, and making sure tragedies like this aren’t erased, it’s worth picking up. Just be prepared, it’s not something you can breeze through. Download the eBook with your SPL card. If you prefer a hard copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a raw and emotional coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the struggles of growing up. Told through letters from Charlie, an introverted and observant freshman, the book explores friendship, love, trauma, and self-acceptance. His bond with Patrick and Sam helps him navigate life’s highs and lows, making for a heartfelt and relatable journey.
This book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like mental health, abuse, sexuality, and drug use, one reason it has been banned in some schools. But that honesty is exactly what makes it so powerful and important. While Charlie’s narration can feel overly naïve at times, the book’s authenticity and emotional depth make up for it. If you love coming-of-age stories that make you feel everything, this one is a must-read. Get the book at the library, or download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. The library also has the movie adaptation on DVD. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Midnight in Chernobyl is one of those books that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Adam Higginbotham does an incredible job of breaking down the Chernobyl disaster, not just as a nuclear accident but as a story of human error, government failure, and Soviet secrecy gone horribly wrong.
What makes this book stand out is how it focuses on the people involved, the engineers, scientists, and officials who were at the center of it all. Some were heroes, some were just trying to do their jobs, and some made terrible decisions that made everything worse. Higginbotham’s writing makes it all feel immediate and real, like you’re right there in the control room as things start to go south. Even though it covers a lot of technical and historical details, it never feels boring or overly complicated. Higginbotham explains things in a way that’s easy to understand, and the story moves fast, almost like a thriller. The way the Soviet government tried to cover things up is just as fascinating (and infuriating) as the disaster itself. If you’re into history, science, or just love a gripping true story, this book is a must-read. It’s intense, well-researched, and honestly hard to put down. Reserve the book at the library or get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a simple yet powerful book that hits hard. It follows Kim Jiyoung, an ordinary woman in South Korea, as she slowly unravels under the weight of everyday sexism. One day, she starts speaking in the voices of other women, her mother, a former coworker, almost as if she’s lost herself completely. From there, the novel takes us through her life, showing all the ways society has pushed her down, from childhood to marriage and motherhood.
The writing is straightforward, even a little detached at times, but that makes the story feel even more real. There’s no big, dramatic moment, just a lifetime of small injustices that build up. What makes it even more unsettling is how normal it all seems. Jiyoung’s experiences aren’t unique to her; they’re just the way things are for so many women, in Korea and beyond. The last part of the book, told from her psychiatrist’s perspective, is especially chilling. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say it makes it clear that nothing has really changed. This is one of those books that stays with you. It’s a quick read, but it packs a punch, making you think about all the invisible ways women are expected to sacrifice, adjust, and endure. If you’re interested in feminism, social issues, or just want a book that makes you feel something, this one is worth picking up. Get the book at the library or download the eBook with your SPL card.  Carl Sagan’s book is an engaging mix of science and common sense that shows why it's so important to think for yourself. Instead of getting lost in wild ideas and myths, Sagan uses relatable language to explain how science helps us figure out what’s real and what’s not. His idea of science as a “candle in the dark” is a great image that will stay with you, it’s like having a flashlight when everything else seems confusing.
One of the best parts of the book is how Sagan takes on pseudoscience and superstitions. He dives into topics like alien abductions and miracle cures, always pushing us to question things and look for solid evidence before believing in something. It’s a wake-up call to not take everything at face value, especially in today’s world where misinformation spreads so fast. Even though the book was written a while ago, its message is just as relevant, if not even more. Sagan reminds us that staying curious and asking tough questions is key, whether we're talking about science, politics, or everyday life. It’s like having a wise friend who nudges you to look deeper and not be fooled by flashy ideas. The Demon-Haunted World is a fun and thoughtful read that encourages you to light up the dark corners of your mind with a healthy dose of skepticism. If you’re into learning how to separate fact from fiction without getting bogged down in jargon, this book is definitely worth a look. Check out the book at the library or download the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  C.J. Box is best known for his three series, but he also offers a handful of standalone novels. Blue Heaven happens to be my favorite.
In northern Idaho, retired police officers commit a murder witnessed by a 12-year-old girl and her little brother. The trouble deepens when these corrupt ex-cops already know the kids' identities and the details of their mother's search. They manage to persuade the overwhelmed rural sheriff to bring them on board for the investigation. The children’s unexpected salvation comes from an old-school rancher on the brink of foreclosure. Yet, in a community now overrun by affluent newcomers fleeing the city, he finds himself unsure of whom to trust. How can he possibly protect these kids when he doesn't even know who his real enemy is? This story struck a personal chord as it mirrors the loss of family farms, blending a ticking-clock thriller fueled by greed over land deals with a heartfelt portrayal of small communities uniting in the face of adversity. Overall, it was a fantastic read. Interested? Reserve the physical copy at the library, or the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a short but unforgettable story about two friends, George and Lennie, trying to make a better life for themselves during the Great Depression. They dream of owning land, but life doesn’t go easy on them, and things take a heartbreaking turn.
The book has been banned in some schools because of its language, racial slurs, violence, and tough topics like sexism and disability. Some think it’s too harsh, while others say it’s an important look at the struggles of the time. No matter how you feel about it, Of Mice and Men is one of those books that stays with you. It’s about friendship, dreams, and how unfair life can be, but that’s what makes it so real. Check it out at the library. Get the audiobook narrated by Gary Sinise or the eBook. We also have the DVD of the movie starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  American War by Omar El Akkad was hard. This was a messed-up, dystopian take on another US Civil War brought on by climate change. It's about a girl, Sarat, growing up in the middle of it all, and how all the violence and loss turns her into a rebel.
This book is dark and gripping though, and it feels all too real. El Akkad mixes war, politics, and what happens to people in a way that just punches you in the gut. Definitely not a beach read, but if you're into those dystopian stories that make you think way too much about what could actually happen, you should check it out. Reserve the hard copy at the library, or the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  In Aster’s world, boys are shapeshifters and girls are witches, no exceptions. But Aster loves magic, even though it’s forbidden for him. When his family is in danger, he has to choose between following the rules or embracing who he really is.
With gorgeous artwork and a heartfelt story, The Witch Boy is all about identity, breaking traditions, and self-acceptance. Some schools have banned it for challenging gender norms, but that’s what makes it an important topic of discussion. If you love magic, friendship, and stories about being true to yourself, this one’s a must-read! Get the book at the library or download the eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Raina Telgemeier’s Drama is a fun and heartfelt graphic novel about middle school, theater, and first crushes. Callie, a theater-loving set designer, juggles backstage challenges, friendship drama, and a crush on a boy who might not even like girls.
With bright, expressive artwork and relatable characters, Drama captures the excitement and awkwardness of middle school perfectly. The book's LGBTQ+ representation has led to bans in some schools. A must-read for theater fans and graphic novel lovers! Reserve the book here or the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Blood Meridian throws you headfirst into a brutal and beautiful world where violence is the law of the land, a far cry from the usual Western stories. The Kid's journey with a group of scalp hunters is nothing compared to the terrifying Judge Holden, a figure of pure, chilling chaos, whose presence hangs over the story like a dark cloud. McCarthy's writing, epic and mesmerizing, turns the landscape into a nightmarish vision, a desolate and unforgiving place where good and evil lose all meaning. This is a story without heroes or redemption, a raw and uncompromising experience that, despite its darkness, stays with you long after you finish it, forcing you to face the darkest parts of human nature and the brutal truth of history.
Get the book at the library or get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. 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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