 I went into this expecting a boy-and-his-dog story, but it turned out to be so much more. At its heart, it’s about a boy who idolizes his late grandfather. His father walked out, his mother is struggling with a back injury that’s led to opioid addiction, and they live in extreme poverty. He’s doing everything he can to keep their hardships hidden from others, fearing intervention from protective services, while desperately trying to hold onto the property his grandfather left him.
An incredible read. Want to read it? Click here to reserve! Or if you prefer, get the eBook with your SPL card. 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  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  Wu Zetian is, without a doubt, awesome. She is one of my favorite heroines. From the first pages, she drew me in and kept me guessing what she was going to do, and every time she blew me away with her attitude and flair. The novel’s twists and turns were (for me) unpredictable—and that’s a hard feat. That, mixed with Xiran’s stellar descriptions and worldbuilding, had me hooked for DAYS after I read it. There are themes of feminism, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are prominent in the writing. The first time I read it was in 2021. I have been patiently waiting for three years for the sequel, and I’m excited to say that for Christmas this year, I finally got a publication date, AND the second book. Keep a lookout for Heavenly Tyrant for a chance to see where Zeitan’s story goes after this excellent read.
Mariah Wills, Library Clerk Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Digital copies are available with your SPL card. Click here for eBook and click here for the audiobook. |
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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