September book recommendations

Two Tough Trucks by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, Illustrated by Hilary Leung

Librarian’s Review: This book is perfect for back-to-school season, with two cute little trucks learning how to make friends at school. The illustrations are vivid, bright, and super cute! The rhyming and flow make it great for a read-aloud, or for kids who are still learning to read.

The Club #1 – Milo on Wheels by Elizabeth Gordon

Librarian’s Review: This is an amazing series for older elementary kids. It’s a great story about overcoming obstacles, respecting people with differences, and embracing your strengths. It’s also funny and entertaining, with a few illustrations sprinkled throughout.

We have the whole “The Club” series by Elizabeth Gordon available at the library, including Milo on Wheels, Javi Takes a Bow, Addy’s Big Splash, Noah the Con Artist, and Club Zoe.

I Survived: The California Wildfires, 2018 by Lauren Tarshis

Librarian’s Review: I Survived is our most popular series at the library. With fire season still rampaging through California, this book is definitely timely. Fast-paced, intense action with vivid, realistic descriptions of a real event, bring readers right into the middle of the action. Great for upper elementary or middle schoolers.

In the Red by Christopher Swiedler

When his best friend Lilith suggests sneaking out of the colony to explore the surface of Mars by themselves, Michael sees it as a chance to prove to himself and everyone else that he is not ruled by his anxiety. But when a massive solar flare knocks out the power to the whole planet, Michael and Lilith have to find a way to survive with dwindling resources, no power, no protection, and no way to call home.

Librarian’s Review: This pulse-pounding epic is perfect for those who like a little science fiction in their survival stories. Michael’s struggle with anxiety is relatable for many teens, and his friendship with the adventurous Lilith is grounded and engaging. The stunning descriptions of harrowing danger, mixed with real, plausible science make this the perfect fit for fans of Gary Paulsen’s The Hatchet or Andy Weir’s The Martian (both of which are also available at the library.)

Wonder Woman: Warbringer – The Graphic Novel by Leigh Bardugo, adapted by Louise Simonson, and illustrated by Kit Seaton

Librarian’s Review: The original novel by popular YA author Leigh Bardugo was a big hit, with a fresh new take on a familiar character. This graphic novel adaptation condenses the story with beautiful, playful illustrations. The cast is diverse and hilarious, always ready with witty banter. A great pick for fans of Wonder Woman, comics, or Leigh Bardugo.

Long Range by C. J. Box

“After joining the rescue efforts for the victim of a grizzly attack, Joe Picket is called home. Someone is shooting at a prominent local judge, and his wife has been wounded. All signs point to the shots having been taken from an impossibly long distance. How could the shooting have been arranged? And who else is in the crosshairs? When Joe’s best friend Nate Romanowski falls under suspicion for the crime, it’s a race against the clock to identify the real shooter.”

Librarian’s Review: C.J. Box is one of our most requested authors! Long Range is book #20 in the super-popular Joe Pickett series, about an honest Wyoming game warden who refuses to look the other way when he sees injustice. The New York Times said, “Pickett isn’t especially remarkable except for his honesty and… the ability to think everything through for himself.” We also have 18 other books by C.J. Box here at the library.

All six books are available to check out at the Magdalena Public Library.