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

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.
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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

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.
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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

This book was written way before COVID, but the way it described those early pandemic vibes was spot on! The dry humor, the office drama, the worries about foreign labor, gender issues—it was all so relatable. And I loved the story of her immigrant parents adjusting to life in the U.S., then bringing her over as a kid. Such a beautiful story, I was genuinely bummed when it ended. Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Aimee, IT Librarian

​Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog!

There are also digital versions for download with your library card. Click here to reserve the eBook and click here to reserve the audiobook.