Hear me out. There are a couple reasons why you might want to watch a scary movie on Mother’s Day. Firstly, maybe your mom just likes horror movies! But if I may put my film nerd hat on for a second, one of the most important tricks in the horror toolkit is taking something people typically think of as safe and comforting and making it frightening. When a director or a screenwriter focuses on familial relationships alongside or within the scares, they can reliably create a memorably chilling cinematic experience. The following films include scared moms, scary moms, and sometimes both, and all of them are excellent picks for any horror fan at any time of year.
The Xenomorph, the iconic creation of artist H.R. Giger, is technically only doing what comes naturally for the propagation of her species. Unfortunately, that involves using the crew of the Nostromo as hosts. Only Ellen Ripley may have the strength not only to survive, but to fight back. In the forty-six years (!) since this film’s release, Alien has become the gold standard for sci-fi horror. Anchored by Sigourney Weaver’s unforgettable protagonist, the film provides both spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding adrenaline rushes. The Xenomorph may be one of the all-time feats of cinematic creature design. As far as the film’s applicability to Mother’s Day, the sequel just so happens to contain one of the most iconic Mama Bear one-liners in all of cinema. You know the one.
There’s at least one thing I will never become tired of as a lover of books and libraries, and that’s learning what everyone has been reading lately. I also love to learn what everyone is excited to read in the future, which is why I find Library Reads so incredibly useful. This condensed ten-book list highlights some of the most unique and anticipated reading material for each month. The mission here is to promote inclusivity and diversity in a world that doesn’t always value these things. Amplifying emerging author voices via grassroots word-of-mouth is that pure library activism I signed up for in library school, so I am happy to be able to post the list here.
Below, I listed the top ten fiction books and non-fiction book of interest recommended by library workers and patrons all over the country. It’s early enough in the month that several titles have not reached their publication day at the time I am writing this blog, so keep checking back for their availability status.
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Tor Books)
In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie’s endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers.
—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS NoveList read-alike: The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnson
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (Berkley)
Alice is more comfortable behind a camera than living her life. When her Nan has surgery, Alice takes her for rest and relaxation at their favorite lake cottage. Alice falls for their handyman neighbor Charlie, who brings her out of her shell and lets her discover who she really is in this fun and flirty romance.
—Jacquie Daddato, Cherry Hill Public Library, NJ NoveList read-alike: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Silver Elite by Dani Francis (Del Rey)
In a grim future, a military dictator sends forces after modified humans with psychic powers. Most have a tell when they use their powers. Wren wants revenge on those who destroyed her family, but she has a secret: she has powers, but no tell. Nonstop action, great worldbuilding, and a blisteringly hot enemies-to-lovers romance make this a winner.
—Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware Library, OH NoveList read-alike: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
The Names: A Novel by Florence Knapp (Pamela Dorman Books)
This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process.
—Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, CT
NoveList read-alike: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
A Fate Forged In Fire: A Novel by Hazel McBride (Delacorte Press)
Stakes are high for the kingdom of Tir Teine. A toxic influence looms in the form of the True Religion, a patriarchal group that condemns magic. Aemyra is fierce, headstrong, and unapologetically ambitious as she prepares to claim the throne. Fast action, romantic drama, mythical creatures, and the sinister allure of a dangerous cult will pull readers in.
—Marcie Fitzherbert, Fort Myers Regional Library, FL NoveList read-alike: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
Maine Characters: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (Dutton)
Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father’s lake house after his passing. Lucy and Vivian have led very different lives and knew very different versions of their dad. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and the twists and turns this story delivers.
—Shelby, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, AL NoveList read-alike: If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Forever)
Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics—in this case Alzheimer’s and racism—to her romances.
—Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, MI NoveList read-alike: Forbidden Promises by Synithia Williams
The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson (Berkley)
In this modern take on a classic small-town mystery, book club members get drawn into amateur sleuthing when money to repair the town’s community center goes missing. The characters are well drawn and likable, the setting is cozy, and the motives are plentiful. The mystery twists and turns with several reveals leading to a satisfying conclusion.
—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH NoveList read-alike: The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer
Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang (Tordotcom)
The tale of Yeva, a masked dragon slayer who has never felt truly at home, is both mythic and achingly human. Her journey to Quanbao sets the stage for an exploration of identity, duty, and love. The world building, storytelling, and representation has made Yang an author to watch in the realm of queer fantasy.
—Addy, Montrose Regional Library District, CO NoveList read-alike: Singing Hills Cycle series by Nghi Vo
BONUS PICK:
A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy (Union Square & Co.)
NOTABLE NON-FICTION:
The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna (Harper)
PICK OF THE MONTH:
The Missing Half: A Novel by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester (Bantam)
Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister’s disappearance and Nic’s. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX NoveList read-alike: Night Will Find You by Julia Haberlin
If this crop of Library Reads book picks is not causing you excitement, please consider using Your Next Five Books, Mead’s book recommendation tool. There is a team of voracious readers on staff who are at the ready. All we dream of is (metaphorically) hurling our favorite book picks at a receptive audience of readers. See you at the library, and happy reading.
I’m going to be talking about a somewhat niche subgenre today, so bear with me – I think these books are really interesting! Retellings are a huge deal in genre fiction right now, unfailingly popular with fans. Retellings of myths and fairy tales tend to get the most hype, but there’s another kind of retelling that tends to go overlooked: retellings of literary works in the public domain. I think these are particularly interesting when they add genre fiction elements, such as science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Sometimes, they even elaborate on a genre fiction element that was present in the original work. Who doesn’t love an old story made new again? I’m here today to talk about four new-ish books that offer fresh takes on older works of fiction. I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do. Let’s get started!
What if Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra were set in space?
In a faraway galaxy, the fate of the Ceiao Empire and its neighbor Szayet rests on the shoulders of three extraordinary people. Ceian military superstar Matheus Ceirran and his loose-cannon right-hand woman Anita become entangled with Altagracia, the charming and ambitious princess of Szayet. What begins as a political alliance blossoms into genuine affection, but the machinations of Ceirran’s enemies will soon interrupt their plans. You probably already recognize this story, and this first volume of a planned trilogy takes its characters all the way to the fallout of the Ides of March. Reading this book was the pure pleasure of a good story well told. I really enjoyed some of the twists Robin put on their historical and literary inspirations. The second book in the duology, The Sea Eternal, released just this past month, and while I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, I personally can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.
One of my favorite sections in the whole entire library is the cookbook section. I get super excited whenever anyone stops by the desk and asks where the cookbooks are. At home I enjoy watching all the food shows on Discovery Plus and experimenting in my own kitchen. One of my favorite kind of cookbooks to play with in the kitchen are the themed cookbooks. In recent years there has been an uptick in cookbooks based off of TV shows or movies. There are even cookbooks based off of videogame worlds! I am only going to cover the ones I have actually cooked from in this post, but will include a bonus list of other titles we own at Mead Public Library at the end!
This themed cookbook is not based off of some fantastical made up world, but pulls recipes from our very own human history. Some readers may recognize Max Miller from his youtube show also titled Tasting History where he cooks up good eats from times long past. This book contains selected recipes all assembled in one volume. The cookbook is broken into chapters ranging from the ancient past to just a few decades ago. Max Miller takes you from recipes written on ancient Babylonian tablets to good old cafeteria pizza from the 90s. If you cannot get enough of the recipes in this book and are curious to embark on more culinary time travel-check out the website https://www.tastinghistory.com/ where there are many more recipes featured.
My featured recipe from this volume is straight off a Babylonian clay tablet and helpfully translated for us by Max Miller: Babylonian stew of lamb. I have always been a history buff. One of my bachelors degrees is in history. I feel like eating what the people of the past ate brings us a step closer to understanding who they were and how they lived. The author also includes a historical lesson with every recipe so that you can better understand the food you are eating. For this recipe I also found the video on his website so I could watch what he did before attempting as I was a bit nervous.
In addition to watching the video and reading through the history lesson (learning about the flat tailed sheep was interesting) I prepared by looking online as to where I could order Persian shallots. We do not have anything like them in America which is a shame. They have a very nice spicy taste as if they are a cross between a radish, garlic, and onion. I ended up ordering them from Amazon (a fellow reader of Tasting History left a review that made me feel confident in my choice of purchase.) I then went shopping to assemble the rest of my ingredients. I decided on a mix of beef and lamb even though the recipe calls for lamb. The author says you can substitute if you wish. Leeks also feature prominently in this recipe (I did unfortunately not take my husband on this shop so I missed out on his leek puns).
The cook. This stew is traditionally served with rinatsu (a crouton like cookie or bread prepared with olive oil). You are to serve this as a crouton over the stew and mix some of it in ground for texture. The crumbled portion is needed for the stew. However, it is optional if you want to eat your stew with the rinatsu croutons on top. (My husband liked them more than I). I was nervous about the taste as there is no seasoning in the recipe. Surprisingly, the Persian shallots more than made up for it! Their flavor sure packs a punch and hits all the right notes on your tongue. I wish they were available at my regular shops. All you need to do is soak them in water to rehydrate them for 30 minutes or so as they come dried. I then stuck them into the food processor to mince them down. The rest of the cook was rather straightforward and just a matter of following the directions. If you have made soup before the cook will seem a familiar dance. All in all this ancient recipe was a fun learning experience and a rather tasty meal. I can now say I have eaten like an ancient Babylonian! My husband also gave a thumbs up on this recipe which is saying a lot as he can be rather picky!
For me, it has been a year of folding inward and away from general awareness of the world at large. I have been keeping calm and sane dwelling on my interiority and reading dozens and dozens of cozy mysteries that take place in seaside bookshops and whatnot. Knowing this, perhaps my surprise that Oscar season was upon us can be forgiven. Not only had I not been aware that the big day was imminent until like, the day before the Oscars aired, I had no idea who and what the nominees were. Once I allowed myself the chance to emerge from the dank hole I live in, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and breadth of the nominees.
Below, I listed all ten Best Picture nominees, along with films similar in tone to enjoy while waiting for Oscar 2024 holds to arrive. All listed films are available in the Monarch catalog in DVD and/or BluRay format, and often Academy Award winners in their own right. Blurbs sourced from IMDB.
Anora (Neon) starring Mikey Madison and Directed by Sean Baker What to watch while you wait: Humanist explorations of people living on the fringe. Lucky for us, this is Baker’s bread and butter.
Tangerine (2015) starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor; this film is notable for being the first feature-length film shot entirely on iPhones. A hooker tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart.
The Florida Project (2017) starring Brooklyn Prince, Bria Vinaite, and Willem Dafoe A single mother and the manager of a roadside motel do their utmost to maintain the innocence of a six-year-old girl’s life.
The Brutalist (A24) starring Adrian Brody and directed by Brady Corbet What to watch while you wait: Cinematic with a capital “C” period pieces.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) starring Noemie Merlant and Adele Haenel On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984) starring Robert De Niro and directed by Sergio Leone A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan 35 years later, where he must once again confront the ghosts and regrets of his old life.
A Complete Unknown (Searchlight) starring Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning What to watch while you wait: Musician biopics, but maybe the musician is a big jerk.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) starring Oscar Isaac and directed by the Coen Brothers A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.
Crazy Heart (2009) starring Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal A faded country musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him.
Conclave (Focus) starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci What to watch while you wait: Catholic church-adjacent thrillers and controversies.
The Name of the Rose (1986) starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater An intellectually nonconformist friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated abbey.
Doubt (2008) starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams A Catholic school principal questions a priest’s ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student.
Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros.) What to watch while you wait: epic, sprawling, and ambitious crowd-pleasers
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) starring Peter O’Toole and Alec Guinness The Story of TE Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during WWI in order to fight the Turks.
Stargate (1994) starring Kurt Russell and James Spader An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra.
Emilia Pérez (Netflix) starring Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon What to watch while you wait: stories that center on living an authentic life.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024) starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven A teenager just trying to make it through life in the suburbs is introduced by a classmate to a mysterious late-night TV show.
Joyland (2022) starring Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq The youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque and quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show.
I’m Still Here (Sony Classics) starring Fernanda Torres and directed by Walter Salles What to watch while you wait: family dramas in times of war or conflict.
Roma (2018) starring Yalitza Cuaron and directed by Alfonso Cuaron A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s.
Empire of the Sun (1987) starring Christian Bale and directed by Steven Spielberg A young English Boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during WWII.
Nickel Boys(Amazon/MGM) starring Ethan Herisse and directed by RaMell Ross What to watch while you wait: reform school buddy films and coming-of-age pictures.
The 400 Blows (1959) starring Jean-Pierre Leaud and directed by Francios Truffaut A young boy, left without attention, delves into a life of petty crime.
Crooklyn (1994) starring Alfre Woodard and directed by Spike Lee Semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn jazz musician husband, and their five kids living in Brooklyn in 1973.
The Substance (Mubi) starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley What to watch while you wait: mind-bending horror-adjacent and stylish thrillers. A smidge of body horror.
Mandy (2018) starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Panos Cosmatos The enchanted lives of a couple in a secluded forest are brutally shattered by a nightmarish hippie cult and their demon-biker henchmen, propelling a man into a spiraling, surreal rampage of vengeance.
The Fly (1986) starring Jeff Goldblum and directed by David Cronenberg A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.
Wicked (Universal) starring Cynthia Eriv and Ariana Grande What to watch while you wait: eye-popping, crowd-pleasing musicals.
In the Heights (2021) starring Anthony Ramos and Corey Hawkins In Washington Heights, a sympathetic New York bodega owner saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.
Into the Woods (2015) starring Anna Kendrick and directed by Rob Marshall. A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.
Did you notice how I did not include which film was nominated for which award or who won what? There are five million articles out there to this effect. Like the article HERE for instance, if one desired this information.
Not a big prestige/award season movie lover? Don’t worry, Mead owns copies of the highest art and lowest trash fit for the silver screen. Consider using our Your Next Five Movies tool, and be watching the movie of your dreams in no time.
Lately I have been in a nostalgia mood and have been rereading through a series from my childhood: Animorphs. Revisiting science fiction books from my own childhood has engaged my curiosity to explore what kids are reading these days. Dear reader, though I speak of “kids books” I must point out that anyone at any age or stage in their life is welcome to enjoy and find pleasure in these pages. Not only do kids’ science fiction books contain heart pounding action (when done right) they also contain a humor that even as adults we can still enjoy. For this post I have chosen a couple books that I find nostalgic and will introduce you some of the new science fiction available on the shelves in the kids’ section. Enjoy!
If you are anything like me, you love to know what books other people are reading. In particular, it’s interesting to learn what other library workers are excited about. Below, I have listed the top 10 fiction and nonfiction books hand picked by America’s library staff. Book blurbs sourced from publishers and selecting librarians.
TOP PICK: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison (Berkley)
A cute story about Lucie, whose daughter calls into a radio show for people looking for love. Aiden, the show’s host, is taken by her honesty and invites her to the show to document her quest for love. It’s a bumpy ride, but Aiden is there the whole way! Readers will love the tension between Lucie and Aiden, and the secondary characters are chef’s kiss. —Claire Schroeder, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, OH; NoveList read-alike: Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens
Wooing the Witch Queenby Stephanie Burgis (Bramble)
This cozy romance features a librarian hiding out as a dark wizard, a witch queen who’d rather nerd out about experiments, and the most wonderfully supportive found family. This has all the tropes you love of romantasy with the added bonus of witty banter, snarky witch queens, and a heart-melting romance. Give this one to fans of The Princess Bride. —Sarah Bean Thompson, Springfield-Greene Cty Library, MO; NoveList read-alike: Sword Crossed by Freya Marske
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Mulholland Books)
Hana, a librarian in a small town in Minnesota, lives a quiet life until the day a detective informs her of her close friend’s murder. Knowing her friend’s death is tied to her, Hana’s afraid she’s next. This historical thriller alternates between present day and 1995 Bosnia with a plot that’s intense and gritty, and writing that’s moving and heartbreaking. —Connie Laing, Great River Regional Library, MN; NoveList read-alike: Groundskeeping by Lee Cole
Victorian Psychoby Virginia Feito (Liveright)
Dark and diabolical, this is a tale of a governess pushed to the limit. Arriving at an estate to care for two spoiled brats, she must deal with a barrage of verbal and physical abuse, until Christmas arrives and she can take it no more. This gruesome gothic tale full of dark wit and horror is reminiscent of Sweeney Todd. —Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin,TX; NoveList read-alike: Maeve Fly by CJ Leede
Isola: A Novelby Allegra Goodman (The Dial Press)
This novel is based on the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque, an aristocratic French girl who was marooned with her lover on an island off of Canada in the 1500s. When her parents pass away, she’s entrusted to a guardian who seeks adventure and uses her fortune to finance his travels. Readers will enjoy her adventures as she makes a new life. —Claire Talbot, Greece Public Library, Rochester, NY; NoveList read-alike: Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Comby Kimberly Lemming (Berkley)
When Dory Valentine is abducted and transported to another planet, she ends up falling for not one, but two sexy aliens. As you might expect, this book is funny, sexy, and very fast-paced. The subplot about her alien abduction—and the reasons behind it is interesting and intricate. Readers will absolutely look forward to more from this up-and-coming author. —Dontaná M., Oak Park Public Library, IL; NoveList read-alike: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall (Flatiron Books)
When Theo arrives at her new fiance’s family retreat, she realizes she has been there before. As the secrets this family has been holding onto for years start to come out, this drama goes in a dark, suspenseful direction. Just when you think you know where this is headed, it becomes full of twists and turns. Yes please! —Paige N., LibraryReads Ambassador; NoveList read-alike: The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (William Morrow)
Cam can’t believe it when her husband Adam takes three hostages in an abandoned warehouse. Seven years later, Adam’s betrayal rears its ugly head again. Will Cam turn to amateur sleuthing, or put everything behind her and find closure? McAllister uses her standard smooth and emotional style to make sure all the puzzle pieces click together for a satisfying ending. —Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, OH; NoveList read-alike: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce (Minotaur Books)
Mina, a newly minted child psychologist, meets Sam, a journalist, who seeks her help on a piece about Alice, a teenager who claims to be possessed by a witch. Mina agrees, and they find themselves in a very unsettling small town, experiencing strange things that they can’t explain. This book is just spooky enough that you may want to read it with the lights on! —Melissa Turner, Maricopa Library & Cultural Center, AZ; NoveList read-alike: The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
The Strange Case of Jane O.: A Novel by Karen Thompson Walker (Random House)
After Dr. Henry Byrd is summoned by police to see Jane O. at the psychiatric hospital, they want him to reveal her confidential information: has she really lost three days under a dissociative fugue, or is she faking it to cover up a crime? This unique novel explores the idea of alternate and parallel realities, grief, friendship, and trust. —Donna Ballard, LibraryReads Ambassador; NoveList read-alike: The Possibilities by Yael Goldstein
BONUS PICK: A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (Sourcebooks Landmark)
NOTABLE NONFICTION: Fearless and Free: A Memoirby Josephine Baker (Tiny Reparations Books)
Didn’t see anything that tripped your trigger on the above list? Take a look at the Library Reads archive by clicking HERE. They have been at this once a month since 2013. The assembled lists reflect our collective shifts in reading habits and desires, which I think is fascinating. Still at a loss for what to read next? Take a look at Mead’s Your Next Five Books tool by clicking HERE. Send us a list of your favorite books, authors, and genres, and we will send back a custom list of at least five books you might like. Happy reading!
Ever since Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves recruited Bilbo Baggins to their quest with a song in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the fantasy genre has been intertwined with music. It goes both ways as well – plenty of rock and metal bands have written songs or whole albums about their favorite fantasy novels! My personal theory is that since just about everyone can relate to being moved by music, the incorporation of music into a fantasy story can help to ground the fantasy elements in something real. This allows the reader to suspend their disbelief and become truly immersed within the story and world. Today, I’ll be spotlighting a few books where music and dance are truly magic, sure to appeal to readers who are fans of fantasy, the fine arts, or both.
Grace Dragotta has devoted her life to becoming a ballerina, enduring the scars left by personal tragedy to pursue her dream. When she brings down the house in the starring role of The Firebird, she is suddenly on the cusp of everything she’s ever wanted. But her talent attracts the attention of a mysterious and demanding patron, Master La Rosa, who is certainly not all that he seems. This book has the feeling of a fairy tale retelling, but rather than putting a new twist on a single story, it incorporates elements of many. Familiar motifs from Beauty and the Beast, the Phantom of the Opera and the myth of Eros and Psyche are all present. The story feels strongly reminiscent of the myth of Hades and Persephone for the first half, but a plot twist reveals to both Grace and the audience that she is not in the story she thinks she’s in. Combine that with beautiful prose excellently matched to the elegance of ballet, and you have a book worth treasuring.
The American Library Association announced the winners of the 2025 Youth Media Awards on Monday. Materials for children and teens were selected by committees of literature and media specialists under different categories for their excellence. Take a look at some of this year’s winners below, which include publishers’ summaries. Be sure to click the link for any you’re interested in reading for yourself to reserve your copy through the Monarch catalog. The full list of this year’s winners is also linked at the bottom of this post.
John Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This year’s winner is The First State of Being, written by Erin Entrada Kelly.
Despite hundreds upon hundreds of books being published last year, I managed to only read one book that actually came out in 2024. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t read last year. As you can imagine, working at a library gives me access to more than enough books.
So, here are some of my favorites, starting with the one book I read published in 2024.
A collection of short stories, Tulathimutte peers into the lives of people that are clearly in pain and do bad things because of it. From a women’s rights advocate-turned-incel to a girl that can’t get over a one-night stand, these people suck, but you just can’t look away. It might not be your cup of tea, so I’d recommend checking out the first story The Feminist before you grab the whole collection.
Mead Public Library Blog 