Children’s books for the high school student’s soul

Being a high school student while also taking college courses, I don't have many opportunities to read something other than a textbook. The last time I started and finished a full chapter book was in the fall. However, working at the library and shelving children's books, I often find myself picking a few up and reading them before I return them to their homes on the shelf. So here is my list of the top five must-read children's books that are fresh on the shelves here at the library:

1. Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings - This book literally brought me to tears. It tells the story of a stray dog named Arfy who is searching for a forever home. He writes letters to different houses in town and receives varying responses. I won't spoil the ending! But know that this book is a real tear-jerker for the dog lover.

2. The Weather Girls by Aki - Told in rhymes, this book documents the seasons and the various activities that go along with each one. I love books that rhyme with beautiful illustrations and this book has both!

3. Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey - While this is not a new book like the others, I had to include it in my list because it will always be one of my favorites. If you never had someone read this book to you as a child, you really missed out on a great bedtime book. Make Way For Ducklings is about two ducks, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard who are searching for a place to raise their chicks. They settle on the city of Boston. When Mr. and Mrs. Mallard decided to move the family to the Public Garden, they are assisted by the town's people to get them safely to their destination. This book is a true classic.

4. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller - I have never read a more heartwarming book than this one. Be Kind asks the question 'What does it mean to be kind anyway?” and is about a boy who tries to find the answer. He suggests that being kind is giving, helping, and paying attention. He says that being kind should be as easy as throwing away a wrapper or saying 'Thank You.” He discovers that being kind can be difficult or scary and that sometimes, being kind feels like a small thing to do. But kindness is a chain reaction, this character finds, and maybe his kindness could lead to more kindness until it all comes back around. I think this book holds such an important message, not only for children, but for everyone.

5. A Place For Pluto by Stef Wade - I love this book! Not only are the illustrations really great, but I find the whole story very humorous. Pluto has been told by the rest of the planets that he is no longer one of the 'Famous Nine” because he is too small. Throughout the book, he seeks to understand this injustice and tries to find a place where he fits in. He is unsuccessful until he bumps into the dwarf planets. Here Pluto finds a home among friends.

New Materials at the Library 3/18/19

Adult Fiction

Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear

Crashing Heat by Richard Castle

Run Away by Harlan Coben

The Reign of the Kingfisher by T.J. Martinson

The Thing About Leftovers by C.C. Payne

At the Wolf's Table by Rosella Postorino

Silent Night by Danielle Steel

Adult non-fiction

Bad Blood by John Carreyrow

Aristotle's Way by Edith Hall

The Point Of It All by Charles Krauthammer

It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst