 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
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 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  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  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  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 |
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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